When to plant Cantaloupe in Scott County, IL
Scott County's 186-day season only supports one Cantaloupe planting per year. Sow between May 5 and May 19 for the best chance at full maturity before October 17.
When to Plant Cantaloupe in Scott County, IL
Cantaloupe is a sweet, aromatic melon with salmon-colored flesh and a netted rind. It requires a long, warm growing season and is the quintessential summer fruit.
Scott County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 987 feet, Scott County receives approximately 37.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cantaloupe to ensure they mature before fall.
Scott County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cantaloupe Planting Timeline — Scott County, IL
Cantaloupe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Aug 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Scott County
Growing Tips for Scott County
Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks early or direct sow on warm mounds. Reduce watering as fruits ripen. Harvest when stem slips easily from the fruit with gentle pressure.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cantaloupe in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cantaloupe in Scott County, IL?
Scott County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Cantaloupe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scott County, IL?
Scott County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Cantaloupe in Scott County, IL?
In Scott County, IL, plant Cantaloupe after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Scott County, IL for Cantaloupe?
Scott County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Cantaloupe grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cantaloupe grow in Scott County's climate?
Yes — Cantaloupe grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.
Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Scott 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.