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Can You Grow Honeydew in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

Honeydew grows well here with a long warm summer and plenty of sun.

Plant zones

4a–11a

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

80–110 days

When to plant Honeydews in Illinois

Start indoors

Mar 10

Transplant

Apr 7

Harvest

Jun 26 – Jul 26

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

About Honeydew

Honeydew melons are smooth-skinned, pale-fleshed, and intensely sweet when ripened in real summer heat. A bit slower than cantaloupe but worth the wait.

Start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost. Thin to 24 inches. Harvest when the blossom end yields slightly to pressure and the melon smells sweet.

Full honeydew growing guide →

Gardening in Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.