When to plant Winter Melon in El Paso County, CO
In El Paso County, Winter Melon is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 18–June 8 for an 90–120-day harvest, finishing well before the October 6 first frost.
When to Plant Winter Melon in El Paso County, CO
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.
El Paso County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.
At an elevation of 8,317 feet, El Paso County receives approximately 23.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.
El Paso County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Winter Melon
Winter Melon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Winter Melon Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in El Paso County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — El Paso County, CO
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
| Direct Sow | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 8 |
| Harvest | August 24 | Aug 24 – Oct 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
148 days in El Paso County
Growing Tips for El Paso 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 El Paso County, CO?
El Paso County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is El Paso County, CO?
El Paso County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Winter Melon in El Paso County, CO?
In El Paso County, CO, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is El Paso County, CO for Winter Melon?
El Paso County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Winter Melon grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Winter Melon grow in El Paso County's climate?
Yes — Winter Melon grows well in El Paso County's temperate climate. El Paso County averages a 148-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around October 6.
Your El Paso County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for El Paso County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.