The Best Time to Plant Melon Seeds

Honeydew Melons

• Honeydew melons are smooth-skinned melons usually with green or white flesh that is very juicy. The best time to plant honeydew melon seeds is when all threat of frost has passed. Seeds can be started indoors four to five weeks before transplanting outside. According to Clemson University Cooperative Extension, honeydew melons grow most successfully when air temperature ranges between 65 and 75 degrees.

Watermelons

• Watermelons can be grown across most of the country, but they do best in the south where there is a longer growing season and a warmer climate. The optimal time to plant watermelon seeds is after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds can be started indoors two to three weeks before planting outdoors. Starting seeds any earlier than that usually has disappointing results because large plants transplant poorly, according to the University of Illinois Extension.

Cantaloupes

• Cantaloupes, also known as muskmelons, have a rough, pale orange skin. Cantaloupes are warm season melons that should be planted after soil has reached a temperature of 60 to 65 degrees. Seeds can be planted directly in the ground after all possibility of frost has passed. For earlier harvesting, cantaloupe seeds can be started indoors and transplanted outdoors after they have two to three mature leaves and have established their root system. Cantaloupes require approximately 35 to 45 days after flowering to mature, according to Utah State University Cooperative Extension.

Other Melons

• Melons and related vegetables are known as cucurbits. Vegetables in this category are available in many types, sizes, shapes and colors. Examples of other cucurbits include squash, gourds and cucumbers. All cucurbits are warm weather plants that should always be planted after danger of frost has passed when the soil temperature is more than 60 degrees. They shouldn't be planted too late in the season because this could expose plants to fall frost. In cooler areas where the growing season is short, seeds can be started indoors. Seedlings should be around two or three weeks old when they are transplanted into warm soil.