When to Plant Honeydew in Hawaii County, HI
Honeydew melons have smooth, pale green rinds and sweet, light green flesh. They require a long, warm growing season and are slightly more heat-tolerant than cantaloupe.
Hawaii County, Hawaii is in USDA Zone 11a. The average last spring frost is January 1 and the first fall frost is December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
At an elevation of 525 feet, Hawaii County receives approximately 96.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silty clay soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Honeydew during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Honeydew, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Honeydew root diseases.
Hawaii County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silty Clay
Soil pH
5.6-6.6
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
Honeydew Planting Timeline — Hawaii County, HI
Honeydew Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | January 15 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Harvest | April 9 | Apr 9 – May 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors |
| February | — |
| 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
80–110 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 11a
Growing Season
364 days
Growing Tips for Hawaii County
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before transplanting. Plant on raised mounds of rich soil. Harvest when the blossom end gives slightly when pressed and the skin turns creamy yellow.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Honeydew in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Honeydew in Hawaii County, HI?
Hawaii County is in Zone 11a with an average last frost of January 1. Plan your Honeydew planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hawaii County, HI?
Hawaii County, Hawaii is in USDA Hardiness Zone 11a. The average last spring frost is January 1 and first fall frost is December 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hawaii County gardeners in Zone 11a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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