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When to Plant Cantaloupe in Nolan County, TX

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is a sweet, aromatic melon with salmon-colored flesh and a netted rind. It requires a long, warm growing season and is the quintessential summer fruit.

Nolan County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 3,997 feet, Nolan County receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Cantaloupe may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cantaloupe will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Nolan County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 24
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Nolan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Cantaloupe Planting Timeline — Nolan County, TX

Cantaloupe Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 – Apr 28
Harvest June 23 Jun 23 – Jul 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

236 days in Nolan County

Growing Tips for Nolan County

Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks early or direct sow on warm mounds. Reduce watering as fruits ripen. Harvest when stem slips easily from the fruit with gentle pressure.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cantaloupe in Nolan County, TX?

Nolan County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Cantaloupe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nolan County, TX?

Nolan County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 15.

🌱

Your Nolan County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Nolan County (Zone 8a). 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 Nolan County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.