When to Plant Squash (Summer) in Melbourne, Cool Temperate Guide

Sow July to February. Right now in September you can sow.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Squash (Summer) guide is written for the Cool Temperate zone, which takes in Melbourne, Hobart and Geelong. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Brisbane Sydney Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Squash (Summer)

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Summer squash includes pattypan (button), crookneck, straightneck, and scallop types, all Cucurbita pepo. Fast-growing, prolific warm-season crops harvested immature. Bush habit suits smaller gardens. Distinct from winter squash (hard rind, long storage).

Planting Calendar for Cool Temperate

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
T/D T - - - - S S S/T S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

Want a nudge when it is Squash (Summer) sowing time in Melbourne?

One email a week with what is worth planting in the Cool Temperate zone right now, Squash (Summer) included, plus which veg has jumped in price at the supermarket. Free, and you can stop it in one click.

Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 13.1°C (optimal range: 18–35°C) ✗ Outside optimal range

Modelled from Open-Meteo forecast (Melbourne), not a live sensor.

How to Grow Squash (Summer) in Cool Temperate Australia

When to Plant

November to January.

Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with compost.
pH Range
6.0-7.0
Sunlight
Full sun (minimum 6 hours)
Spacing
90cm apart, 120cm between rows
Watering
Deep water 2-3 times weekly at base. Consistent moisture during fruiting.

Companion plants: Corn, Beans, Nasturtium, Marigold

Avoid planting near: Potato, Other C. pepo if seed saving

Cool Temperate Growing Tips for Squash (Summer)

Recommended Varieties

  • Pattypan
  • Yellow Crookneck

Key Challenges

  • Short season
  • Cool nights

Pro Tips

  • Start indoors October
  • Row covers first 3-4 weeks

Harvesting Squash (Summer)

When ready: Pattypan: 5-8cm diameter. Crookneck: 15-20cm. Skin tender (pierce with thumbnail). Glossy.

How to harvest: Cut with sharp knife leaving 2cm stem. Pick YOUNG. Check plants daily in warm weather.

Where to next

What squash costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the cool temperate zone this September: Ginger, Sweet Corn, Chilli Peppers and Snow Peas.

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Common Questions About Squash (Summer)

When do you plant squash in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does squash grow all year round in Melbourne?

No. In the Cool Temperate zone the planting months are Jan to Feb, Jul to Dec. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Cool Temperate zone, Melbourne is its reference city.