When to plant Winter Melon in Teller County, CO
In Teller 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 Teller 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.
Teller County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. 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 6,538 feet, Teller County receives approximately 19.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Winter Melon to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Winter Melon successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Teller County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Teller 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
148 days in Teller County
Growing Tips for Teller 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
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Winter Melon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Winter Melon in Teller County, CO?
Teller County is in Zone 5b 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 Teller County, CO?
Teller County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Winter Melon in Teller County, CO?
In Teller 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 Teller County, CO for Winter Melon?
Teller County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Winter Melon grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Winter Melon grow in Teller County's climate?
Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Teller County's temperate climate. Teller County averages a 148-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around October 6.
Your Teller County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Teller County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.