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When to Plant Kabocha in Jack County, TX

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.

Jack County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 2,081 feet, Jack County receives approximately 66.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Kabocha during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kabocha, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kabocha root diseases.

Jack County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Jack County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7.3-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

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 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 9.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 9.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jack County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Kabocha Planting Timeline — Jack County, TX

Kabocha Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 26 Feb 26 – Mar 12
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 23
Harvest July 9 Jul 9 – Aug 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

228 days in Jack County

Growing Tips for Jack 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 Jack County, TX?

Jack County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Kabocha planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jack County, TX?

Jack County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 9.

🌱

Your Jack County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jack County (Zone 8a). 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 Jack County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.