UK sowing calendar
When to sow cantaloupe melon in the UK
🫙 Best under glass — greenhouse or polytunnel in most of the UK
Cantaloupe melon sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | mid-Apr-mid-May |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Plant out late May-Jun |
| Harvest | late Jul-Sep |
Tender - sow under cover at 18-21C (heated propagator or warm windowsill) and only plant out after the last frost. Cantaloupes are the best melon for UK outdoor growing in a very warm, sheltered spot under cloches, but crop far more reliably in a greenhouse or polytunnel.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for cantaloupe melon.
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When to sow cantaloupe melon in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow cantaloupe melon in the UK?
Sow cantaloupe melon under cover mid-Apr-mid-May, then outdoors plant out late may-jun. Tender - sow under cover at 18-21C (heated propagator or warm windowsill) and only plant out after the last frost. Cantaloupes are the best melon for UK outdoor growing in a very warm, sheltered spot under cloches, but crop far more reliably in a greenhouse or polytunnel.
Can you sow cantaloupe melon outdoors in the UK?
Cantaloupe melon is tender and largely greenhouse-only in the UK — outdoors it is marginal and only worth trying in the warmest, most sheltered spots. Tender - sow under cover at 18-21C (heated propagator or warm windowsill) and only plant out after the last frost. Cantaloupes are the best melon for UK outdoor growing in a very warm, sheltered spot under cloches, but crop far more reliably in a greenhouse or polytunnel.
When is cantaloupe melon ready to harvest in the UK?
Cantaloupe melon is typically harvested late Jul-Sep in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow cantaloupe melon?
It depends on the month and your region. Cantaloupe melon has a UK outdoor window of plant out late may-jun; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.