When to Plant Kabocha in Wells County, IN
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.
Wells County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 1,181 feet, Wells County receives approximately 30.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Kabocha during the growing season.
Wells County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
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 — Wells County, IN
Kabocha Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Direct Sow | May 2 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Harvest | August 8 | Aug 8 – Sep 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
175 days
Growing Tips for Wells 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 Wells County, IN?
Wells County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wells County, IN?
Wells County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Wells County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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