When to plant Kabocha in Pope County, MN
Plant Kabocha in Pope County from May 18 to June 8 in spring. Pope County sits in USDA Zone 4b, with last frost around May 4 and first frost on October 3.
When to Plant Kabocha in Pope 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.
Pope County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 152 days.
At an elevation of 1,061 feet, Pope County receives approximately 31.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kabocha to ensure they mature before fall.
Pope County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Kabocha Planting Timeline — Pope County, MN
Kabocha Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
| Direct Sow | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 8 |
| Harvest | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
152 days in Pope County
Growing Tips for Pope 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 Pope County, MN?
Pope County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pope County, MN?
Pope County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 3.
When should I plant Kabocha in Pope County, MN?
In Pope County, MN, plant Kabocha after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pope County, MN for Kabocha?
Pope County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Kabocha grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kabocha grow in Pope County's climate?
Yes — Kabocha grows well in Pope County's temperate climate. Pope County averages a 152-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 3.
Your Pope County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pope County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.