When to plant Winter Melon in Cecil County, MD
For Winter Melon in Cecil County, the safe spring window opens around April 13 and closes around May 4. Last expected frost is April 6, first fall frost October 31, giving a 208-day growing season.
When to Plant Winter Melon in Cecil County, MD
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.
Cecil County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.
At an elevation of 1,021 feet, Cecil County receives approximately 45.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.
Cecil County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Cecil County, MD
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Sep 7 |
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 7b
📆 Growing Season
208 days in Cecil County
Growing Tips for Cecil 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 Cecil County, MD?
Cecil County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cecil County, MD?
Cecil County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Winter Melon in Cecil County, MD?
In Cecil County, MD, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cecil County, MD for Winter Melon?
Cecil County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Winter Melon grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Winter Melon grow in Cecil County's climate?
Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Cecil County's temperate climate. Cecil County averages a 208-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 31.
Your Cecil County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cecil County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.