When to plant cantaloupe in zone 9b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9B

Growing SeasonZone 9b

Last frost ~Feb 15First frost ~Dec 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUN

Start indoors Jan 25 · Sow Mar 1 · First harvest May 15 · Wrap by Jun 5

Last spring frostFeb 15

Start seeds indoorsJan 25

Direct sowMar 1

First harvestMay 15

Last harvestJun 5

First fall frostDec 10

Why these dates work in zone 9b

Zone 9b's last spring frost averages Feb 15 and first fall frost Dec 10 — about 298 frost-free days. Cantaloupe is frost-sensitive, so the 2w after frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost. Starting seeds indoors 3 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does cantaloupe take to grow in zone 9b?

Cantaloupe matures in about 75–90 days from sowing. In zone 9b that means sowing around Mar 1 and first picking around May 15.

Will cantaloupe survive frost in zone 9b?

No — cantaloupe is frost-sensitive. In zone 9b, wait until after the last frost (around Feb 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Dec 10).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full cantaloupe growing guide →