When to plant Winter Melon in Lawrence County, IL
Lawrence County gardeners should plant Winter Melon between April 20 and May 11 in spring. With Lawrence County's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 13), Winter Melon needs 90–120 days to mature — plant by June 29 for a full harvest.
When to Plant Winter Melon in Lawrence 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.
Lawrence County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 969 feet, Lawrence County receives approximately 35.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.
Lawrence County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Lawrence County, IL
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 14 |
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 6b
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Lawrence County
Growing Tips for Lawrence 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 Lawrence County, IL?
Lawrence County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lawrence County, IL?
Lawrence County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 27.
When should I plant Winter Melon in Lawrence County, IL?
In Lawrence County, IL, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lawrence County, IL for Winter Melon?
Lawrence 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 Lawrence County's climate?
Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Lawrence County's temperate climate. Lawrence County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 27.
Your Lawrence County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lawrence 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.