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Can You Grow Honeydew in Iowa?

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

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4a–11a

Iowa last frost

mid-April

Iowa first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

80–110 days

When to plant Honeydews in Iowa

Start indoors

Mar 18

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Jul 4 – Aug 3

Dates are approximate, based on Iowa'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 Iowa

Iowa has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Most of the state is Zone 5a-5b. Excellent for cool-season crops and hardy fruits.

See what grows well in Iowa →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Honeydew in Iowa?

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

What zone is Iowa?

Iowa spans USDA Zone 5a (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b).

When do you plant Honeydews in Iowa?

Plant Honeydews around mid-April (start indoors Mar 18), harvest Jul 4 – Aug 3.