When to Plant Calabash in Tulsa County, OK
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.
Tulsa County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 752 feet, Tulsa County receives approximately 28.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Calabash during the growing season.
Tulsa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Tulsa County
How your county's soil matches Calabash's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.1) is within Calabash's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Tulsa County is excellent for Calabash — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Calabash.
How to Plant Calabash
Succession Planting Calabash
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 28 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Calabash
Calabash needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Calabash Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Tulsa County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Calabash 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.
Calabash Planting Timeline — Tulsa County, OK
Calabash Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 |
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
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
202 days in Tulsa County
Growing Tips for Calabash in Tulsa County
Direct sow Calabash outdoors after April 07 in Tulsa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Calabash in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Calabash in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Calabash in Tulsa County, OK?
Tulsa County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Calabash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tulsa County, OK?
Tulsa County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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