When to plant Winter Melon in Jefferson County, KS
Plant Winter Melon in Jefferson County after April 14; the prime window is April 21–May 12.
When to Plant Winter Melon in Jefferson County, KS
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.
Jefferson County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 559 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 23.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.
Jefferson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Jefferson County, KS
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Sep 15 |
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
193 days in Jefferson County
Growing Tips for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, KS?
Jefferson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson County, KS?
Jefferson County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Winter Melon in Jefferson County, KS?
In Jefferson County, KS, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jefferson County, KS for Winter Melon?
Jefferson 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 Jefferson County's climate?
Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Jefferson County's temperate climate. Jefferson County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 24.
Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson 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.