When to plant Winter Melon in Holt County, MO
Winter Melon planted in Holt County between April 28 and May 19 matures in 90–120 days — well before the October 15 first frost.
When to Plant Winter Melon in Holt 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.
Holt County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 819 feet, Holt County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Winter Melon to ensure they mature before fall.
Holt County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Holt County, MO
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | August 4 | Aug 4 – Sep 22 |
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 6a
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Holt County
Growing Tips for Holt 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 Holt County, MO?
Holt County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Holt County, MO?
Holt County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 15.
When should I plant Winter Melon in Holt County, MO?
In Holt County, MO, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Holt County, MO for Winter Melon?
Holt 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 Holt County's climate?
Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Holt County's temperate climate. Holt County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 15.
Your Holt County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Holt 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.