When to Plant Winter Melon in Walla Walla 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.
Walla Walla County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
At an elevation of 3,151 feet, Walla Walla County receives approximately 23.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Winter Melon during the growing season.
Walla Walla County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.4
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 | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Walla Walla County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Winter Melon Planting Timeline — Walla Walla County, WA
Winter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | August 3 | Aug 3 – Sep 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| 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
178 days in Walla Walla County
Growing Tips for Walla Walla 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 Walla Walla County, WA?
Walla Walla County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Winter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Walla Walla County, WA?
Walla Walla County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 15.
Your Walla Walla County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Walla Walla 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.