Growing Kabocha Squash in Florida

Moisture

• Kabocha squash grow into sprawling vines that take up space if allowed to grow along the ground. You can conserve space by growing them vertically along trellises or cages. The vigorously growing plants need uniformly moist, but well-draining soil. Florida is one of the wettest states, with an average annual rainfall of 53.49 inches. Most rain occurs during the summer, with Florida having more summer thunderstorms than any other region of the country. The panhandle and south Florida can get 60 inches or more of rain a year, but you may need to water your squash plants during drought periods or in drier areas of the state.

Planting

• Like other winter squash, Kabocha doesn't tolerate freezing weather. Wait until temperatures reach at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit before planting seeds. It takes 85 to 110 days for the squash to reach harvest. The University of Florida Extension Service recommends planting winter squash from March through August in northern Florida, from February through March or in August in central Florida, and from January through February or in September in southern Florida. Plant seeds 1 to 2 inches deep, spacing plants 3 to 4 feet apart. Kabocha needs at least 6 hours of sun per day, which is not a problem in most of Florida.

Soil

• Kabocha squash have vigorous growth and are heavy feeders, needing high levels of nitrogen, with moderate potassium and phosphorus. Many areas of Florida have sandy or clay soils that need ample amendment with organic material such as compost or aged manure at least one month before planting seeds. You can also apply granular fertilizers such as 6-6-6 to sand or clay soils at a rate of 3 pounds per 100 square feet, before planting seeds.

Pests

• In Florida's mild subtropical and tropical climate, insects that feed on squash also have good growing conditions. The often high humidity during the summer is favorable to several plant pests. Some of the insects that attack squash include various kinds of moth caterpillars such as cutworms, cabbage loopers and beet armyworms. The bacterial control agent Bacillus thuringensis controls these larvae best while they are young. Larvae of the pickleworm moth burrow in flowers and fruits and are difficult to control because they are hidden inside plant structures. Early plantings may escape damage, especially in central and north Florida. The melonworm attacks leaves and the rind of fruits and can defoliate squash plants. Control melonworms by planting early and using row covers.