When to plant Winter Melon in Monroe County, MO
For Monroe County, gardeners: plant Winter Melon April 21 through May 12 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Winter Melon in Monroe 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.
Monroe County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.
At an elevation of 1,128 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 35.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Winter Melon to ensure they mature before fall.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Monroe County, MO
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 6a
📆 Growing Season
190 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Monroe 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
Avoid Planting Near
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Winter Melon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Winter Melon in Monroe County, MO?
Monroe County is in Zone 6a 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 Monroe County, MO?
Monroe County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Winter Melon in Monroe County, MO?
In Monroe County, MO, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Monroe County, MO for Winter Melon?
Monroe 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 Monroe County's climate?
Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 190-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 21.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe 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.