When to Plant Kabocha in Wasatch County, UT
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.
Wasatch County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.
At an elevation of 8,190 feet, Wasatch County receives approximately 16.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Kabocha during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Kabocha successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Wasatch County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.6
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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Kabocha Planting Timeline — Wasatch County, UT
Kabocha Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Direct Sow | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| Harvest | September 1 | Sep 1 – Sep 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
130 days
Growing Tips for Wasatch 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 Wasatch County, UT?
Wasatch County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wasatch County, UT?
Wasatch County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Wasatch County gardeners in Zone 5a 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.