When to Plant Kabocha in Oneida County, WI
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.
Oneida County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 131 days.
At an elevation of 569 feet, Oneida County receives approximately 39.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kabocha to ensure they mature before fall.
Oneida County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.1
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 — Oneida County, WI
Kabocha Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 |
| Direct Sow | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 24 |
| Harvest | September 9 | Sep 9 – Oct 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 4a
Growing Season
131 days
Growing Tips for Oneida 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 Oneida County, WI?
Oneida County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Oneida County, WI?
Oneida County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Oneida County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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