Cantaloupe Planting Guide
Aromatic, sweet muskmelon with netted skin and orange flesh
Best Time and Place to Plant Melon
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Cantaloupe in a spot with 8+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 95F, and enough room for 24 inches between plants and 60 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 20 to June 1 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 15 to June 5 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 10 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | May 1 to June 1 | Varies |
| Zone 5 | April 25 to May 25 | Varies |
| Zone 6 | April 15 to May 20 | Varies |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Varies |
| Zone 8 | March 15 to May 1 | Varies |
| Zone 9 | March 1 to April 15 | July 1 to August 1 |
| Zone 10 | February 1 to April 1 | July 15 to August 15 |
| Zone 11 | January 1 to March 1 | August 1 to October 1 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to February 15 | August 15 to October 15 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
- Spacing: 24 inches apart, 60 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 65F to 95F
- Sunlight: 8+ hours
- Watering: 1-2 inches per week; reduce as fruit ripens to concentrate sugar
- Days to harvest: 80
Fertilization
- 10-10-10 Balanced synthetic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft at planting
- Compost organic: 3 inches worked in before planting
- Kelp Meal organic: Monthly application
Companion Plants
- Nasturtium
- Beans
- Corn
Avoid Planting Near
- Potatoes
- Fennel
Harvest Signs
- Stem slips easily from vine with light pressure
- Skin turns from green to tan/yellow
- Netting is raised and pronounced
- Strong sweet fragrance at blossom end
FAQs
When should I plant Melon?
Melon planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Melon?
The best time of year to plant Melon is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 65F to 95F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Melon?
Plant Cantaloupe in a spot with 8+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 95F, and enough room for 24 inches between plants and 60 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Melon?
Plant Melon about 24 inches apart, with rows around 60 inches apart.
What grows well with Melon?
Melon is commonly paired with Nasturtium, Beans, Corn.