What is the best month to plant winter melon?

When to plant winter melon

Winter melon is generally sown in spring and autumn, specifically from January to February and from July to August. It is best to transplant seedlings in spring and bud sowing in autumn, which is more conducive to the plant's later growth.

Planting time in the north and south: Winter melon is generally planted in spring from January to February, but in Sichuan area it can be appropriately extended to February to March.

Greenhouse planting time: Greenhouse winter melon can be planted in January or June to meet the needs of the winter market.

Winter melon production area and planting month

Winter melon is native to China and India, and its common producing areas include Gansu, Shandong, Guangdong, Heilongjiang, Jiangsu, Yunnan, Fujian, Hebei, Yunnan and other provinces.

Gansu Winter Melon

Gansu winter melon can be planted in spring and autumn, with a growth cycle of about 150 days. The winter melon here grows vigorously, and the yield per mu can reach about 10,000 jin.

Shandong Winter Melon

Shandong is rich in black-skinned winter melon, which can be planted in spring. The fruit has little water, but the quality and flavor are both top-notch, with a yield of more than 5,000 kilograms per mu.

Winter melon varieties and planting months

There are many varieties of winter melon. The more common ones are the large green-shelled winter melon, Qingza No. 1, Jufeng No. 1, large white-shelled winter melon, Beijing a string of bells, Beijing ground winter melon, etc.

Qingza No.1 Winter Melon

Qingza No. 1 is a cultivated variety that is sown in spring but matures late. The fruit is cylindrical with smooth skin, and the yield per mu is about 400 kilograms.

Jufeng No. 1 Winter Melon

Jufeng No. 1 winter melon is also a late-maturing variety, suitable for planting in the Guangdong and Guangxi regions. The fruit is green with white spots, tastes slightly sweet, and has good storage and transportation properties.