When to plant Kabocha in Otter Tail County, MN
In Otter Tail County, Kabocha is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 25–June 15 for an 85–100-day harvest, finishing well before the September 28 first frost.
When to Plant Kabocha in Otter Tail County, MN
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.
Otter Tail County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 571 feet, Otter Tail County receives approximately 40.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kabocha to ensure they mature before fall.
Otter Tail County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Kabocha Planting Timeline — Otter Tail County, MN
Kabocha Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 |
| Direct Sow | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 15 |
| Harvest | August 31 | Aug 31 – Sep 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
140 days in Otter Tail County
Growing Tips for Otter Tail 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
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Kabocha in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kabocha in Otter Tail County, MN?
Otter Tail County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Otter Tail County, MN?
Otter Tail County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 28.
When should I plant Kabocha in Otter Tail County, MN?
In Otter Tail County, MN, plant Kabocha after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around September 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Otter Tail County, MN for Kabocha?
Otter Tail County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Kabocha grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kabocha grow in Otter Tail County's climate?
Yes — Kabocha grows well in Otter Tail County's temperate climate. Otter Tail County averages a 140-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around September 28.
Your Otter Tail County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Otter Tail County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.