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Cantaloupe Growing Guide
Cucurbitaceae family
Days to Harvest85 days
SunlightFull Sun
Frost ToleranceNone
Spacing1/sqft (12" apart)
Germination4-10 days
HardinessVery Tender
Germ. Temp85°F
Start Indoors4 weeks before last frost
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Vining
- Flowering
- Fruiting / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 27 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Aug 17 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 27 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Aug 17 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 17 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Aug 7 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 27 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Aug 17 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 24 | Jun 5 | Jun 12 | Aug 14 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 17 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Aug 7 |
| Zone 4a | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | Jul 28 |
| Zone 4b | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 24 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 21 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 21 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 19 | Jul 21 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 18 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 8 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 18 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 8 |
| Zone 7b | Mar 13 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 3 |
| Zone 8a | Mar 8 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jun 28 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 22 | Apr 5 | Apr 12 | Jun 14 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 20 | Apr 3 | Apr 10 | Jun 12 |
| Zone 9b | Feb 10 | Mar 24 | Mar 31 | Jun 2 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 13 | May 15 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 31 | Feb 11 | Feb 18 | Apr 22 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 31 | Feb 11 | Feb 18 | Apr 22 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 18 | Jan 29 | Feb 5 | Apr 9 |
| Zone 12a | Dec 4 | Jan 15 | Jan 22 | Mar 26 |
| Zone 12b | Dec 4 | Jan 15 | Jan 22 | Mar 26 |
| Zone 13a | Dec 4 | Jan 15 | Jan 22 | Mar 26 |
| Zone 13b | Dec 4 | Jan 15 | Jan 22 | Mar 26 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe takes approximately 85 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Cantaloupe need?
Cantaloupe requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Cantaloupe?
Plant Cantaloupe at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Cantaloupe survive frost?
Cantaloupe is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.
What are good companion plants for Cantaloupe?
Good companion plants for Cantaloupe include Corn, Sunflowers, Nasturtiums, Marigolds. Avoid planting near Potatoes, Cucumbers.
How long does Cantaloupe take to germinate?
Cantaloupe seeds germinate in 4-10 days at an optimal temperature of 85°F.
When should I start Cantaloupe seeds indoors?
Start Cantaloupe seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 2 weeks after last frost.
Plan Your Cantaloupe Garden
Track Cantaloupe from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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