When to plant Winter Melon in Edwards County, IL
Aim to plant Winter Melon in Edwards County on or after April 16; the window stays open through May 7. Edwards County's 202-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.
When to Plant Winter Melon in Edwards County, IL
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.
Edwards County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 1,374 feet, Edwards County receives approximately 35.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.
Edwards County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Edwards County, IL
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Sep 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
202 days in Edwards County
Growing Tips for Edwards 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 Edwards County, IL?
Edwards County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Edwards County, IL?
Edwards County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 28.
When should I plant Winter Melon in Edwards County, IL?
In Edwards County, IL, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Edwards County, IL for Winter Melon?
Edwards County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Winter Melon grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Winter Melon grow in Edwards County's climate?
Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Edwards County's temperate climate. Edwards County averages a 202-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 28.
Your Edwards County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Edwards County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.