When to Plant Calabash in Labette County, KS
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.
Labette County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 203 days.
At an elevation of 421 feet, Labette County receives approximately 22.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Calabash during the growing season.
Labette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Calabash
Calabash needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Calabash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Labette County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Calabash Planting Timeline — Labette County, KS
Calabash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 10 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
203 days in Labette County
Growing Tips for Labette County
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Calabash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Calabash in Labette County, KS?
Labette County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Calabash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Labette County, KS?
Labette County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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