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When to Plant Winter Melon in South Carolina

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.

South Carolina spans USDA hardiness zones 7b, 8a, 8b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

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Click your county for exact Winter Melon planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Winter Melon Planting Calendar for South Carolina

Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 28 Jan 28 – Feb 11
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 15
Harvest July 1 Jul 1 – Aug 19
Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 18 Jan 18 – Feb 1
Transplant Outdoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Direct Sow March 15 Mar 15 – Apr 5
Harvest June 21 Jun 21 – Aug 9
Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 7 Jan 7 – Jan 21
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 25
Harvest June 10 Jun 10 – Jul 29

Growing Tips for South Carolina

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Winter Melon in South Carolina?

Planting dates for Winter Melon in South Carolina depend on your USDA zone. South Carolina spans zones 7b, 8a, 8b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is South Carolina for planting?

South Carolina contains USDA hardiness zones 7b, 8a, 8b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.