When to plant Winter Melon in Carroll County, MO
In Carroll County, plant Winter Melon in spring between April 20 and May 11, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Carroll County's last frost averages April 13, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 90–120 days before the first frost on October 24.
When to Plant Winter Melon in Carroll County, MO
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.
Carroll County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,053 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 37.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.
Carroll County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Carroll County, MO
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 6a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Carroll County
Growing Tips for Carroll 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 Carroll County, MO?
Carroll County is in Zone 6a 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 Carroll County, MO?
Carroll County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Winter Melon in Carroll County, MO?
In Carroll County, MO, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Carroll County, MO for Winter Melon?
Carroll County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Winter Melon grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Winter Melon grow in Carroll County's climate?
Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Carroll County's temperate climate. Carroll County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 24.
Your Carroll County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Carroll 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.