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When to plant Kabocha in Lafayette County, FL

Lafayette County's spring Kabocha window runs March 4 through March 25. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting.

When to Plant Kabocha in Lafayette 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.

Lafayette County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.

At an elevation of 217 feet, Lafayette County receives approximately 57.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 94°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.

Lafayette County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
267 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
267 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

Lafayette County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

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 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lafayette County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Kabocha Planting Timeline — Lafayette County, FL

Kabocha Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 4 Feb 4 – Feb 18
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 25
Harvest June 10 Jun 10 – Jul 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

267 days in Lafayette County

Growing Tips for Lafayette 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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kabocha in Lafayette County, FL?

Lafayette County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lafayette County, FL?

Lafayette County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.

When should I plant Kabocha in Lafayette County, FL?

In Lafayette County, FL, plant Kabocha after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lafayette County, FL for Kabocha?

Lafayette County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Kabocha grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Kabocha grow in Lafayette County's climate?

Yes — Kabocha grows well in Lafayette County's temperate climate. Lafayette County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.

🌱

Your Lafayette County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lafayette County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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