When to plant Winter Melon in Ramsey County, MN
For Ramsey County, gardeners: plant Winter Melon April 30 through May 21 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Winter Melon in Ramsey County, MN
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.
Ramsey County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 1,059 feet, Ramsey County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Winter Melon to ensure they mature before fall.
Ramsey County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Ramsey County, MN
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | August 6 | Aug 6 – Sep 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
169 days in Ramsey County
Growing Tips for Ramsey 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 Ramsey County, MN?
Ramsey County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ramsey County, MN?
Ramsey County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Winter Melon in Ramsey County, MN?
In Ramsey County, MN, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ramsey County, MN for Winter Melon?
Ramsey County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Winter Melon grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Winter Melon grow in Ramsey County's climate?
Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Ramsey County's temperate climate. Ramsey County averages a 169-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 9.
Your Ramsey County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ramsey County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.