Lawn Guardian

When to Plant Cantaloupe

Cucumis melo var. reticulatus

fruitZones 4–11intermediate

Sweet, aromatic melon with netted rind. Needs warm weather and space to sprawl. The key to great cantaloupe is patience -- let it fully ripen on the vine.

Planting calendar

Start seeds indoors

3 weeks before your last spring frost.

Direct sow / transplant

2 weeks after your last spring frost.

Needs very warm soil; reduce watering as fruit ripens for concentrated sweetness

Spacing & harvest

Companion planting

Plant near

Keep away from

Get cantaloupe planting dates for your exact zone

Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.

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Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns