Arkansas planting calendar

When to plant zucchini in Arkansas — sow, transplant & harvest dates

Arkansas is mostly USDA zone 7b (range 6b-8a). Dates below are derived from zucchini's frost tolerance and Arkansas's frost window — not generic national averages.

Zucchini planting timetable for Arkansas

Stage	When in Arkansas	Anchor
Start seeds indoors	mid-March (March 15)	3 weeks before the last frost (early April)
Transplant outside	mid-April (April 19)	14 days after the last frost (early April)
First harvest (estimate)	mid-June (June 13)	~55 days from transplant

Dates are state-wide averages for the dominant zone. Local microclimates — elevation, urban heat, coastal moderation — can shift the window by 1-2 weeks. Use the frost-date calculator for a date tuned to your town.

Why Arkansas's climate shifts the zucchini dates

Arkansas's last spring frost averages early April and first fall frost late October, which sets the whole planting clock. Arkansas has a warm, humid, long season with mild winters. The Ozarks run a half zone cooler than the southern lowlands. Wait for warm soil — zucchini stall in cold ground even after the air warms, so don't rush them out.

Zucchini is the fastest-maturing summer squash — soil must reach 18 °C (65 °F) before sowing or transplanting, as cold soil causes slow, weak germination and root rot. One or two plants per family member is usually sufficient; succession-sowing every 3-4 weeks extends harvest but rarely necessary given prolific production. Harvest fruit at 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) every 2-3 days to maintain plant productivity; leaving fruits to overgrow reduces total yield.

Frost-risk note

Don't plant before early April — even a light frost will kill seedlings overnight. In the Ozark and Ouachita highlands (zone 6b) the safe date runs a week or two later.

Regional variation within Arkansas

the Ozark and Ouachita highlands (zone 6b) runs roughly 1-2 weeks behind the state average; the southern and Delta lowlands near Little Rock (zone 8a) can plant 1-2 weeks earlier.

Little Rock — USDA zone 8a
Fayetteville — USDA zone 7a
Fort Smith — USDA zone 7b
Jonesboro — USDA zone 7b

What else to plant in Arkansas around then

Pair the post-frost slot with other warm-season crops — peppers, beans, squash, and cucumbers.

Quick-grow guide

Sun: Full sun — 6-8 hours direct.
Soil temperature for germination: 21-29 °C (70-85 °F).
Spacing: 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) between plants.
Days to harvest: ~55 days from planting out.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to plant zucchini in Arkansas?

In Arkansas (mostly USDA zone 7b), sow zucchini indoors around mid-March, transplant outdoors mid-April (after the last frost, early April), and harvest from mid-June. Zucchini are frost-tender — a single light frost kills seedlings, so they only go outside once frost danger has fully passed and the soil is warm.

What USDA zone is Arkansas?

Most of Arkansas sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b, with the state spanning roughly 6b-8a from the Ozark and Ouachita highlands (zone 6b) to the southern and Delta lowlands near Little Rock (zone 8a). The last spring frost averages early April and the first fall frost late October.

Can you grow zucchini in Arkansas?

Yes. Arkansas's dominant zone 7b supports zucchini — the key is timing. Zucchini are frost-tender — a single light frost kills seedlings, so they only go outside once frost danger has fully passed and the soil is warm.

Does the planting date change across Arkansas?

the Ozark and Ouachita highlands (zone 6b) runs roughly 1-2 weeks behind the state average; the southern and Delta lowlands near Little Rock (zone 8a) can plant 1-2 weeks earlier.

What else can I plant in Arkansas around the same time?

Pair the post-frost slot with other warm-season crops — peppers, beans, squash, and cucumbers.

Source and methodology

State zone spans from the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023); frost-date averages from NOAA Climate Data Online. Hot-state two-season timing cross-checked against the UF/IFAS Florida Gardening Calendar and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension planting calendar. Curated by the Growli editorial team.