Home › Cantaloupe › Grow in North Carolina
Can You Grow Cantaloupe in North Carolina?
US · USDA Zone 7b · zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a
Cantaloupe grows well here — it loves heat and full sun and will reward you with sweet fruit.
Plant zones
North Carolina last frost
North Carolina first frost
Days to harvest
When to plant Cantaloupes in North Carolina
Start indoors
Transplant
Harvest
Dates are approximate, based on North Carolina'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.
Gardening in North Carolina
North Carolina spans the mountains (Zone 5b-6a), Piedmont (Zone 7a-7b), and coastal plain (Zone 8a). Long warm seasons support tobacco, sweet potatoes, and a wide range of vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
Can you grow Cantaloupe in North Carolina?
Cantaloupe grows well here — it loves heat and full sun and will reward you with sweet fruit.
What zone is North Carolina?
North Carolina spans USDA Zone 7b (5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a).
When do you plant Cantaloupes in North Carolina?
Plant Cantaloupes around late February (start indoors Jan 31), harvest May 9 – Jun 8.