The Best Time to Plant Melons

Watermelons

• Watermelon grows best in warm parts of the country because it is a tender, warm season vegetable. When all danger of frost has passed, watermelon can be planted. For best results, start plants indoors three weeks before planting outside. Early season watermelon has the shortest growing season, ranging from 70 to 75 days and may be grown in cooler climates. Main season watermelons and seedless watermelons can be harvested in 80 to 85 days.

Cantaloupes and Honeydew Melons

• Cantaloupes and honeydew melons are both tender warm-season melons that should be planted after all danger of frost has passed. These melons require a soil temperature of at least 60 degrees and grow best at temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees, according to Clemson University Cooperative Extension. Seeds for cantaloupes and honeydew melons can be planted directly in the ground. If grown from transplants, they can be harvested up to two weeks earlier than plants grown from seed.

Pumpkins

• Like other types of melons, pumpkins are tender vegetables that can be damaged by frost. Seeds should be planted in warm soil after all possibility of frost has passed. In most areas, pumpkin seeds can be planted between late May and late June. Planting too early can cause pumpkins to rot on vines before Halloween, but planting too late may cause pumpkins not to be mature by Halloween or to be in danger of fall frost. These vegetables typically take 85 days or longer to mature, with larger pumpkin varieties taking longer to mature.

Other Types of Melons

• Melons are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors. They belong to the cucurbit plant family, which also includes cucumbers, squash and gourds. All cucurbits are warm-season plants that do best when both nights and days are warm. The best time to plant all types of melons is after the soil is at least 60 degrees and there is no likelihood of frost. According to Purdue University Cooperative Extension, seeds can be warmed in order to get a head start on the growing season. If cucurbit seeds are started indoors, they require two to three weeks to reach transplant size.