When to Plant Kabocha in Holmes 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.
Holmes County, Florida is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.
At an elevation of 164 feet, Holmes County receives approximately 57.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Kabocha during the growing season. 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.
Holmes County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Kabocha Planting Timeline — Holmes County, FL
Kabocha Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Direct Sow | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 12 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Jul 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| 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
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
243 days in Holmes County
Growing Tips for Holmes 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
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Kabocha in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kabocha in Holmes County, FL?
Holmes County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Holmes County, FL?
Holmes County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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