How to grow melon
Cantaloupes "slip" off the vine with a gentle push when ripe.
Rotation and family
Melon belongs to the cucurbits (Cucurbitaceae). Sprawling, thirsty and prone to powdery mildew and cucumber beetles.
In a four-bed crop rotation it goes in the fruiting-crop bed. Avoid growing it where any cucurbits grew in the last three years.
When to plant melon by zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow / plant out |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Apr 22 – May 6 | Jun 3 – Jun 24 |
| 4 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| 5 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | May 14 – Jun 4 |
| 6 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | May 4 – May 25 |
| 7 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| 8 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| 9 | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 29 |
| 10 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | Feb 15 – Mar 8 |
Based on typical frost dates for each zone; b half-zones run about a week earlier in spring. Zones 11–13 are frost-free in most years.
Melon questions
When should I plant melon?
Plant melon outdoors 2 weeks after your last spring frost. Start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before your last frost.
How far apart should I plant melon?
About 36 inches apart, or 1 plant per 2 square feet in a square foot garden.
What grows well with melon?
Traditional companions include marigold, nasturtium, okra, radish, sweet corn. Keep it away from potato.
How long does melon take to grow?
Typically 75–95 days from sowing to first harvest, depending on variety and weather.