When to Plant Kabocha in Marion County, FL
Kabocha is a Japanese winter squash with an exceptionally sweet, dense, chestnut-like flesh and dark green skin. It is a favorite in Asian cuisine for its rich, dry texture.
Marion County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 15 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 289 days.
At an elevation of 244 feet, Marion County receives approximately 54.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Kabocha may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Kabocha will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kabocha root diseases.
Marion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Kabocha Planting Timeline — Marion County, FL
Kabocha Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 18 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Direct Sow | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 8 |
| Harvest | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
85–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 9a
Growing Season
289 days
Growing Tips for Marion County
Direct sow after frost or start indoors. Harvest when the skin is hard and dull. The stem should be dry and corky. Stores well for 3-4 months in a cool, dry place.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Kabocha in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kabocha in Marion County, FL?
Marion County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 15. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marion County, FL?
Marion County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 15 and first fall frost is December 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Marion County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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