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When to plant Winter Melon in St. Clair County County,

St. Clair County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Plant Winter Melon between April 15 (after last frost on April 8) and May 6.

When to Plant Winter Melon in St. Clair 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.

St. Clair County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.

At an elevation of 699 feet, St. Clair County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.

St. Clair County, MO (Zone 6b) Long season
201 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
201 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26
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St. Clair County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Winter Melon

Winter Melon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Winter Melon Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in St. Clair County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Winter Melon Planting Timeline — St. Clair County, MO

Winter Melon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 11 Feb 11 – Feb 25
Transplant Outdoors April 22 Apr 22 – May 6
Direct Sow April 15 Apr 15 – May 6
Harvest July 22 Jul 22 – Sep 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December
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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 6b

📆 Growing Season

201 days in St. Clair County

Growing Tips for St. Clair 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 St. Clair County, MO?

St. Clair County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is St. Clair County, MO?

St. Clair County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 26.

When should I plant Winter Melon in St. Clair County County, ?

In St. Clair County County, , plant Winter Melon after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is St. Clair County County, for Winter Melon?

St. Clair County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Winter Melon grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Winter Melon grow in St. Clair County County's climate?

Yes — Winter Melon grows well in St. Clair County County's temperate climate. St. Clair County County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 26.

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Your St. Clair County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for St. Clair County (Zone 6b). 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 St. Clair County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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