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When to plant Kabocha in Simpson County, MS

The best window to plant Kabocha in Simpson County, is March 17–April 7, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits March 10; first frost November 15.

When to Plant Kabocha in Simpson County, MS

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.

Simpson County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 10 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 250 days.

At an elevation of 90 feet, Simpson County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Kabocha may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kabocha, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Simpson County, MS (Zone 8b) Long season
250 days
Last Spring Frost March 10
250 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Simpson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Kabocha Planting Timeline — Simpson County, MS

Kabocha Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 10 Feb 10 – Feb 24
Transplant Outdoors March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 7
Direct Sow March 17 Mar 17 – Apr 7
Harvest June 23 Jun 23 – Jul 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

250 days in Simpson County

Growing Tips for Simpson 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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kabocha in Simpson County, MS?

Simpson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 10. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Simpson County, MS?

Simpson County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 10 and first fall frost is November 15.

When should I plant Kabocha in Simpson County, MS?

In Simpson County, MS, plant Kabocha after the last frost (around March 10) and before the first frost (around November 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Simpson County, MS for Kabocha?

Simpson County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Kabocha grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Kabocha grow in Simpson County's climate?

Yes — Kabocha grows well in Simpson County's temperate climate. Simpson County averages a 250-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 10 and first frost around November 15.

🌱

Your Simpson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Simpson County (Zone 8b). 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 Simpson County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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