In South Florida, our unique climate gives us the chance to grow squash almost year-round. Whether you’re working with a backyard garden or a few pots on your patio, learning how to grow squash in South Florida is a fun and rewarding way to bring fresh food to your table.
If you’ve ever dreamed of harvesting fresh vegetables from your backyard, squash is a great place to start. This hardy plant thrives in warm, sunny places like South Florida and is surprisingly easy to grow—even if you’ve never planted a seed before.
The Best Squash for Miami’s Climate
Not every squash variety loves the heat and humidity of South Florida, so careful selection is key. At Vizcaya, we’ve chosen a group of resilient, flavorful varieties that are well-suited to our subtropical climate. These include Tan Cheese Pumpkin, Seminole Pumpkin, Winter Luxury Pie Pumpkin, Larger Fruited Seminole Pumpkin, and Thai Kang Kob Pumpkin, Okeechobee Gourd, a native heirloom with deep cultural roots, and classic carving favorites like Howden and Jackpot pumpkins, all known for their rich flavor and strong performance in handling heat and humidity.
These cultivars aren’t just tasty, they’re reliable and rewarding, perfect for showcasing what grows best in our region, making them excellent choices for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
When to Plant Squash in South Florida
While many parts of the country plant squash in the spring, South Florida’s planting season starts a little earlier—and lasts longer. The best time to plant squash here is between late August and March. This schedule helps avoid the hottest part of the summer, when pests and diseases are more common.
If you plant in the fall, you’ll enjoy a harvest by early winter. Plant again in winter, and you’ll have fresh squash by spring. With a little planning, you can keep your garden producing for months.
Planting and Caring for Squash in South Florida
Squash is a sun-loving plant, so choose a spot in your yard or balcony that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. The soil should drain well and be rich in nutrients. If your soil is sandy, which is common in Miami, mix in compost or other organic material to help your plants grow strong and healthy.
Plant your squash seeds directly in the soil about one inch deep, or start with young plants from your local nursery. Be sure to give each plant enough space to spread out—squash vines can grow wide and tall.
Water your squash regularly, especially when the weather is dry, but avoid soaking the plants. South Florida’s humidity means that too much moisture can lead to mildew on the leaves. Watering early in the day and keeping water off the leaves helps prevent problems.
You may also need to keep an eye out for common garden pests like squash vine borers and aphids. Fortunately, there are natural solutions, such as neem oil sprays or planting flowers like marigolds nearby to help repel insects.
Harvesting Squash
One of the best parts of growing squash is how quickly you can enjoy the results. Summer squash, like zucchini and yellow squash, are ready to harvest in as little as six to eight weeks. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re about six to eight inches long and have a soft, tender skin.
Unlike summer squash, which matures quickly, the varieties we’re growing, such as Seminole Pumpkin, Tan Cheese, Winter Luxury Pie, Thai Kang Kob are all types of winter squash. These plants take longer to mature, typically 80-120 days, reaching harvest in late fall. When their rind loses its shiny luster, becomes duller, and when stems have dried winter squash is ready to harvest.
As your squash plants grow, you’ll also notice beautiful yellow-orange blossoms. These are squash flowers, and they’re not just pretty, they’re edible too! Male flowers, which don’t produce fruit, can be harvested early in the day and used in a variety of dishes, from stuffed and fried to tossed fresh into salads.
Once your squash is ready, pick it regularly to keep your plants producing. The more you harvest, the more squash your plant will grow.
Tips for Growing Squash Successfully
Squash grows fast and can take over a garden bed if you let it, so give it space to spread—or train it to climb a trellis to save room. In South Florida, gardeners often plant new squash seeds every month or two to keep the harvest coming throughout the growing season.
Growing squash with other plants like basil or marigolds can also help protect your garden naturally. These companion plants attract good bugs that eat the pests, reducing the need for sprays or chemicals.
Ready to Grow Your Own? Join the 2025 Squash Competition!
The community is invited to grow squash at home and bring their harvest back to Vizcaya Village on October 26, 2025 for the “Grow Something Gourd-geous Squash Competition” as part of the annual Halloween Market. Click below to sign up for this beginner-friendly competition.
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