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When to plant Calabash in Cloud County County,

Cloud County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Plant Calabash between April 23 (after last frost on April 16) and May 14.

When to Plant Calabash in Cloud County, KS

Calabash (bottle gourd) is a tropical vine producing edible young fruits used in Asian and African cooking. Mature dried fruits serve as natural containers and utensils.

Cloud County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 810 feet, Cloud County receives approximately 22.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Calabash to ensure they mature before fall.

Cloud County, KS (Zone 6b) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Cloud County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Calabash

Calabash needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Calabash Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Calabash Planting Timeline — Cloud County, KS

Calabash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14
Direct Sow April 23 Apr 23 – May 14
Harvest July 23 Jul 23 – Sep 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

80–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

185 days in Cloud County

Growing Tips for Cloud County

Start seeds indoors 4 weeks early. Provide a very strong trellis for heavy fruits. Harvest young for cooking or let mature on the vine for crafts. Requires a long, warm season.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Calabash in Cloud County, KS?

Cloud County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Calabash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cloud County, KS?

Cloud County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 18.

When should I plant Calabash in Cloud County County, ?

In Cloud County County, , plant Calabash after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cloud County County, for Calabash?

Cloud County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Calabash grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Calabash grow in Cloud County County's climate?

Yes — Calabash grows well in Cloud County County's temperate climate. Cloud County County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 18.

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Your Cloud County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cloud County (Zone 6b). 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 Cloud County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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