When to plant Winter Melon in Colbert County, AL
Colbert County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Plant Winter Melon between April 13 (after last frost on April 6) and May 4.
When to Plant Winter Melon in Colbert County, AL
Winter melon (wax gourd) is a large Asian squash with a waxy white coating that allows long storage. The mild flesh is used in soups and stir-fries.
Colbert County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.
At an elevation of 380 feet, Colbert County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Winter Melon, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Winter Melon root diseases.
Colbert County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Colbert County, AL
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Sep 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
205 days in Colbert County
Growing Tips for Colbert County
Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks early. Provide ample space for sprawling vines. Harvest when the waxy coating develops on the rind. Fruits can weigh 15-30 pounds.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Winter Melon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Winter Melon in Colbert County, AL?
Colbert County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Colbert County, AL?
Colbert County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 28.
When should I plant Winter Melon in Colbert County, AL?
In Colbert County, AL, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Colbert County, AL for Winter Melon?
Colbert County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Winter Melon grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Winter Melon grow in Colbert County's climate?
Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Colbert County's temperate climate. Colbert County averages a 205-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 28.
Your Colbert County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Colbert County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.