When to plant Kabocha in Devils Elbow, MO
For Devils Elbow, gardeners: plant Kabocha April 16 through May 7 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Kabocha in Devils Elbow, MO
This month in Pulaski County, Missouri
July is a pivotal month for Pulaski County, Missouri gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Basket week: kabocha
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
August prep starts now
- First harvests: kabocha
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.
Devils Elbow, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 877 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 35.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Kabocha during the growing season.
Devils Elbow Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Kabocha Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Devils Elbow
How your county's soil matches Kabocha's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.6) overlaps with Kabocha's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pulaski County is excellent for Kabocha — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Kabocha.
How to Plant Kabocha
Kabocha Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Kabocha
Kabocha needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kabocha Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pulaski County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kabocha Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Kabocha Planting Timeline — Devils Elbow, MO
Kabocha Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Aug 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
85–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Pulaski County
Growing Tips for Kabocha in Devils Elbow
Direct sow Kabocha outdoors after April 09 in Pulaski County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Kabocha in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kabocha in Other Locations
When should I plant Kabocha in Devils Elbow, MO?
In Devils Elbow, MO, plant Kabocha after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Devils Elbow, MO for Kabocha?
Devils Elbow sits in USDA Zone 6b. Kabocha grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kabocha grow in Devils Elbow's climate?
Yes — Kabocha grows well in Devils Elbow's temperate climate. Devils Elbow averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.
Your Pulaski County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pulaski 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.