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When to Plant Calabash in Hawaii

Calabash (bottle gourd) is a tropical vine producing edible young fruits used in Asian and African cooking. Mature dried fruits serve as natural containers and utensils.

Hawaii spans USDA hardiness zones 11a, 11b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

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Click your county for exact Calabash planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Calabash Planting Calendar for Hawaii

Zone 11a ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors November 20 Nov 20 – Dec 4
Transplant Outdoors January 8 Jan 8 – Jan 22
Direct Sow January 1 Jan 1 – Jan 22
Harvest April 2 Apr 2 – May 28
Zone 11b ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors November 20 Nov 20 – Dec 4
Transplant Outdoors January 8 Jan 8 – Jan 22
Direct Sow January 1 Jan 1 – Jan 22
Harvest April 2 Apr 2 – May 28

Growing Tips for Hawaii

Start seeds indoors 4 weeks early. Provide a very strong trellis for heavy fruits. Harvest young for cooking or let mature on the vine for crafts. Requires a long, warm season.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Calabash in Hawaii?

Planting dates for Calabash in Hawaii depend on your USDA zone. Hawaii spans zones 11a, 11b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Hawaii for planting?

Hawaii contains USDA hardiness zones 11a, 11b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.