When to plant Calabash in Sumner County, KS
Aim to plant Calabash in Sumner County on or after April 18; the window stays open through May 9. Sumner County's 198-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.
When to Plant Calabash in Sumner 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.
Sumner County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 637 feet, Sumner County receives approximately 29 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Calabash during the growing season.
Sumner County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Calabash Planting Timeline — Sumner County, KS
Calabash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Harvest | July 18 | Jul 18 – Sep 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Sumner County
Growing Tips for Sumner 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Calabash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Calabash in Sumner County, KS?
Sumner County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Calabash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sumner County, KS?
Sumner County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Calabash in Sumner County, KS?
In Sumner County, KS, plant Calabash after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sumner County, KS for Calabash?
Sumner County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Calabash grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Calabash grow in Sumner County's climate?
Yes — Calabash grows well in Sumner County's temperate climate. Sumner County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 26.
Your Sumner County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sumner County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.