When to plant Kabocha in Tift County, GA
In Tift County, plant Kabocha in spring between March 7 and March 28, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Tift County's last frost averages March 7, so aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 85–100 days before the first frost on November 18.
When to Plant Kabocha in Tift County, GA
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.
Tift County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 139 feet, Tift County receives approximately 55 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Kabocha during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kabocha, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kabocha root diseases.
Tift County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Kabocha Planting Timeline — Tift County, GA
Kabocha Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 28 |
| Harvest | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jul 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
256 days in Tift County
Growing Tips for Tift 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kabocha in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kabocha in Tift County, GA?
Tift County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tift County, GA?
Tift County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.
When should I plant Kabocha in Tift County, GA?
In Tift County, GA, plant Kabocha after the last frost (around March 7) and before the first frost (around November 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Tift County, GA for Kabocha?
Tift 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 Tift County's climate?
Yes — Kabocha grows well in Tift County's temperate climate. Tift County averages a 256-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 7 and first frost around November 18.
Your Tift County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Tift 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.