When to Plant Cantaloupe in Durham, North Carolina (27708)

Location

Durham, North Carolina

ZIP Code

27708

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Friday, March 20, 2026

📅 Planting Calendar

Start Seeds Indoors Friday, February 20, 2026

Transplant Outdoors Friday, April 3, 2026

Pro Tip: Start Cantaloupe seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis

Days to Maturity 80 days

Mature Height 12-18"

Spread 48"

Type Vine

Fruit Size Medium-Large (3-8 lbs)

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (8+ hours)

💧

Water

Regular, reduce near harvest

↔️

Spacing

48" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

1" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days

Ready to Plant Cantaloupe in Durham?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, February 20, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CornSunflowerMarigold

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

CucumberPotato

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Growing Cantaloupe in Zone 8a

Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis) is a popular garden vegetable. In Durham, North Carolina, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, February 20, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, March 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Cantaloupe seedlings outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.