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When to plant Winter Melon in Ozark County, MO

Plant Winter Melon in Ozark County from April 16 to May 7 in spring. Ozark County sits in USDA Zone 7a, with last frost around April 9 and first frost on October 26.

When to Plant Winter Melon in Ozark 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.

Ozark County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.

At an elevation of 1,321 feet, Ozark County receives approximately 31.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.

Ozark County, MO (Zone 7a) Long season
200 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
200 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Ozark County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Ozark County, MO

Winter Melon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 – May 7
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 – May 7
Harvest July 23 Jul 23 – Sep 10

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

200 days in Ozark County

Growing Tips for Ozark 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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Winter Melon in Ozark County, MO?

Ozark County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ozark County, MO?

Ozark County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 26.

When should I plant Winter Melon in Ozark County, MO?

In Ozark County, MO, plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ozark County, MO for Winter Melon?

Ozark County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Winter Melon grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Winter Melon grow in Ozark County's climate?

Yes — Winter Melon grows well in Ozark County's temperate climate. Ozark County averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 26.

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Your Ozark County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ozark County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Ozark County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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