How to Grow Squash in New Zealand
Sow direct from October in Auckland. Compact bush types suit raised beds while vining types need more room. Harvest button squash young and often for the best flavour and continuous cropping.
When to plant squash in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | October, November |
| Auckland | October, November |
| Waikato & BoP | October, November |
| Wellington | November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | November, December |
| Canterbury | November, December |
| Otago & Southland | December |
| Central Otago | December |
Best squash varieties for NZ
- Pattypan (Button) — Compact bush producing small scalloped fruit, best picked young. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
- Scallopini — Round bush squash, tender and prolific, good for small gardens. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Spaghetti Squash — Vining type with stringy flesh used like pasta, stores well. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
- Yellow Crookneck — Curved-neck summer squash with firm sweet flesh, heavy cropper. (Egmont Seeds)
How to grow squash
- Space plants about 80cm apart.
- Sow seed around 2cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 65 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 8 days.
Companion planting
Grow squash near: Corn, Beans, Nasturtium, Marigold, Borage.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Powdery mildew, Aphids, Whitefly. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Squash plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant squash in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in October, November. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy squash seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds.