When to plant cantaloupe 🍈
Cantaloupe takes 70–90 days to mature, spaced 24" apart at 1" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Direct sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April 27 – May 11 | June 8 – June 22 | June 8 – June 22 | August 10 – August 31 |
| Zone 4 | April 17 – May 1 | May 29 – June 12 | May 29 – June 12 | July 31 – August 21 |
| Zone 5 | April 3 – April 17 | May 15 – May 29 | May 15 – May 29 | July 17 – August 7 |
| Zone 6 | March 18 – April 1 | April 29 – May 13 | April 29 – May 13 | July 1 – July 22 |
| Zone 7 | March 4 – March 18 | April 15 – April 29 | April 15 – April 29 | June 17 – July 8 |
| Zone 8 | February 16 – March 1 | March 29 – April 12 | March 29 – April 12 | May 31 – June 21 |
| Zone 9 | January 18 – February 1 | February 29 – March 14 | February 29 – March 14 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Zone 10 | January 2 – January 16 | February 13 – February 27 | February 13 – February 27 | April 16 – May 7 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized cantaloupe planting dates
Care tips
- Ripe when stem slips with a gentle tug.
- Trellis small varieties to save space.
- Cut back watering as melons size up.
Good companions
Corn, Bean, Radish.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
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Frequently asked questions
When should I start cantaloupe seeds indoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, start cantaloupe seeds indoors between April 3 and April 17 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).
When should I start cantaloupe seeds indoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, start cantaloupe seeds indoors between March 18 and April 1 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).
When should I start cantaloupe seeds indoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, start cantaloupe seeds indoors between March 4 and March 18 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).
When should I start cantaloupe seeds indoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, start cantaloupe seeds indoors between February 16 and March 1 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).
When can I transplant cantaloupe seedlings outdoors?▾
Transplant cantaloupe seedlings about 2–4 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around April 29–May 13.
How long does cantaloupe take to grow?▾
Cantaloupe typically takes 70–90 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 11–14 weeks after the last spring frost.