Cantaloupe plants take about 70 to 75 days to reach maturity, and like most melons, like warm temperatures. Because the roots can handle very little disturbance, the melon grows best when seeded directly into the garden. Plant cantaloupe seeds after the threat of frost has passed. Check the USDA Hardiness Zone Map, which divides North America into 11 zones. Each zone denotes a change in temperature by 10 degrees F in an average winter. The USDA Hardiness Zone Map also is used as a guide for planting annuals such as cantaloupe. Look on the back of the package of seeds you purchase. For example, cantaloupe grows in Zones 4 to 10, which covers much of the United States. Check the map to see what zone you live in, then check the map for the earliest time deemed safe for the plants---when the threat of frost is over.

On the Other: Start Early Indoors

If you live in one of the colder zones and winter is lingering, start cantaloupe seeds indoors. Put the seeds between wet paper towels for three days to help germinate. Keep the towels wet the entire time. Plant the seeds in biodegradable seedling pots. After the weather is warm enough, plant the entire pot in your garden. Cantaloupe roots do not tolerate a lot of change, so use seedling pots that can go directly into the ground and disintegrate once planted. Ask experts at your garden shop for the best seeding pots to purchase.

Bottom Line

Cantaloupes are a hot-weather plant, and take a long time to mature. Use the USDA Hardiness Zone Map to find the optimum planting time for your area and watch the temperatures closely after planting.

Source:

U.S. National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

"Homegrown Vegetables, Fruits and Herbs: A Bountiful, Healthful Garden for Lean Times"; Jim Wilson and Walter Chandoha; 2009