Blog

When to Plant Kabocha in Haskell County, OK

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.

Haskell County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.

At an elevation of 691 feet, Haskell County receives approximately 29.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Kabocha during the growing season.

Haskell County, OK (Zone 7a) Long season
220 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
220 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Haskell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (87 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Aug 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (87 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 28 Transplant: Apr 11 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Aug 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (90 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 17 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Aug 25

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.

Soil Compatibility in Haskell County

How your county's soil matches Kabocha's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.5โ€“7.5) is within Kabocha's preferred range (6.0โ€“7.5).

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Haskell County is excellent for Kabocha โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) โ€” Kabocha will thrive.

How to Plant Kabocha

1"
Planting Depth
30"
Between Plants
42"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,040 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Kabocha

Kabocha needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Kabocha Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 0.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3" 1.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 1" 3.3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Dec โ€” 0.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Marโ€“Nov in Haskell County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Kabocha Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Kabocha needs ~1,688 GDD — county provides 4,015 GDD Excellent fit

Kabocha Planting Timeline โ€” Haskell County, OK

Kabocha Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 28 Feb 28 โ€“ Mar 14
Transplant Outdoors April 11 Apr 11 โ€“ Apr 25
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 25
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 โ€“ Aug 8

Plant 1" deep ยท 30" apart ยท Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท 1-2 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

85โ€“100 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: ideal

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

220 days in Haskell County

Growing Tips for Kabocha in Haskell County

Direct sow Kabocha outdoors after March 28 in Haskell County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Kabocha in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kabocha in Haskell County, OK?

Haskell County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Haskell County, OK?

Haskell County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 3.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Haskell County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Haskell County, OK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.