When to Plant Cantaloupe in USDA Zone 11b
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.
In Zone 11b, the average last spring frost is around January 1 and the first fall frost is around December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
Cantaloupe Planting Timeline — Zone 11b
Where Is USDA Zone 11b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 11b. Click any state to see the Cantaloupe planting schedule for that location.
Cantaloupe Planting Calendar — Zone 11b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | January 15 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Harvest | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors |
| February | — |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 11b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 11b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
70–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
45°F to 50°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
364 days (Zone 11b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 30 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 42 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Zone 11b
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
Saving Cantaloupe Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.
Sharp bypass pruners for clean cuts on fruit trees, berry bushes, and woody herbs.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Related Plants
Cantaloupe in Other Zones
Cantaloupe by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cantaloupe in Zone 11b?
In Zone 11b, plan your Cantaloupe planting around the average last frost date of January 1. Transplant seedlings around January 15.
Can Cantaloupe grow in Zone 11b?
Yes, Cantaloupe can grow well in Zone 11b, hardy in USDA zones 4a through 11b. Zone 11b has a growing season of approximately 364 days, which is sufficient for Cantaloupe (70-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Cantaloupe in Zone 11b?
In Zone 11b, expect to harvest Cantaloupe from March 26 – April 30. Cantaloupe takes 70-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 11b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 11b is around January 1, and the first fall frost is around December 31. This gives a growing season of approximately 364 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Cantaloupe?
Good companion plants for Cantaloupe include Corn, Radish, Lettuce. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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