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Can You Grow Cantaloupe in Arizona?

US · USDA Zone 9a · zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a

Grows well here

Cantaloupe grows well here — it loves heat and full sun and will reward you with sweet fruit.

Plant zones

4a–11a

Arizona last frost

late January

Arizona first frost

late December

Days to harvest

70–100 days

When to plant Cantaloupes in Arizona

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 20

Harvest

Mar 31 – Apr 30

Dates are approximate, based on Arizona's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe (muskmelon) is a sweet, fragrant summer melon that needs real heat and full sun to develop its sugar. Slip off the vine when ripe.

Start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost or direct sow after frost in warm soil. Thin to 18-24 inches. Harvest when the melon slips easily from the vine with light pressure.

Full cantaloupe growing guide →

Gardening in Arizona

Arizona spans dramatic climate zones from cool mountain forests to hot desert. Low-elevation cities like Phoenix grow year-round; high-elevation areas are Zone 5-6.