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When to Plant Honeydew in Pennsylvania

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.

Pennsylvania spans USDA hardiness zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Honeydew planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Honeydew Planting Calendar for Pennsylvania

Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 16 May 16 – May 30
Harvest August 8 Aug 8 – Sep 19
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 – May 23
Harvest August 1 Aug 1 – Sep 12
Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 – May 15
Harvest July 24 Jul 24 – Sep 4
Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 – Aug 28
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 15 Apr 15 – Apr 29
Harvest July 8 Jul 8 – Aug 19
Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22
Harvest July 1 Jul 1 – Aug 12

Growing Tips for Pennsylvania

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Honeydew in Pennsylvania?

Planting dates for Honeydew in Pennsylvania depend on your USDA zone. Pennsylvania spans zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Pennsylvania for planting?

Pennsylvania contains USDA hardiness zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.