When to Plant Winter Melon in Chelan County, WA
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.
Chelan County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 3,517 feet, Chelan County receives approximately 14.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Winter Melon successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Chelan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.3
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 | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Chelan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Chelan County, WA
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | May 1 | May 1 – May 22 |
| Harvest | August 7 | Aug 7 – Sep 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Chelan County
Growing Tips for Chelan 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 Chelan County, WA?
Chelan County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Chelan County, WA?
Chelan County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Chelan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Chelan 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.