When to Plant Cantaloupe in Brevard County, FL
Cantaloupe is a sweet, aromatic melon with salmon-colored flesh and a netted rind. It requires a long, warm growing season and is the quintessential summer fruit.
Brevard County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 19 and the first fall frost is December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 335 days.
At an elevation of 491 feet, Brevard County receives approximately 52.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 104°F, so Cantaloupe may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cantaloupe will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cantaloupe root diseases.
Brevard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cantaloupe Planting Timeline — Brevard County, FL
Cantaloupe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Harvest | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
70–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 9b
Growing Season
335 days
Growing Tips for Brevard County
Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks early or direct sow on warm mounds. Reduce watering as fruits ripen. Harvest when stem slips easily from the fruit with gentle pressure.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Cantaloupe in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cantaloupe in Brevard County, FL?
Brevard County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of January 19. Plan your Cantaloupe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Brevard County, FL?
Brevard County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 19 and first fall frost is December 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Brevard County gardeners in Zone 9b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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