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When to Plant Honeydew Melon in Tampa, Florida (33607)

Location

Tampa, Florida

ZIP Code

33607

USDA Zone

10a

Last Frost

Sunday, January 25, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Transplant Outdoors

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, January 25, 2026 · Zone 10a

Pro tip: Start Honeydew Melon seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Sunday, February 8, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Cucumis melo var. inodorus
Days to Maturity 85 days
Mature Height 12-18"
Spread 60"
Type Vine
Fruit Size Large (5-8 lbs)

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (8+ hours)

💧

Water

Regular, reduce near harvest

↔️

Spacing

60" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

1" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days

Ready to Plant Honeydew Melon in Tampa?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, December 28, 2025.

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🤝 Good Companions

CornSunflowerMarigold

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

CucumberPotato
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Honeydew Melon

See which plants help Honeydew Melon thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let fruit fully ripen on the vine — use ripe eating fruit to extract seeds.

Processing

Scoop seeds, rinse off flesh, spread flat to dry for 2 weeks before storing.

Seed Viability

Up to 5 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Honeydew cross-pollinates with cantaloupe and other melons. Grow only one variety or hand-pollinate.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 1 plant of Honeydew Melon. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Honeydew Melon in Tampa, Florida? +

In Tampa (Zone 10a), start Honeydew Melon seeds indoors around Sunday, December 28, 2025 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, February 8, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Tampa, Florida? +

The average last spring frost date for Tampa, Florida (ZIP 33607) is around Sunday, January 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 10a.

How long does Honeydew Melon take to grow? +

Honeydew Melon typically matures in about 85 days from transplanting. In Tampa, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, February 8, 2026 plus 85 days.

Should I start Honeydew Melon indoors or direct sow in Florida? +

Honeydew Melon should be started indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date. In Tampa, that means starting around Sunday, December 28, 2025.

Other Plants for Tampa

Growing Honeydew Melon in Zone 10a

Honeydew Melon (Cucumis melo var. inodorus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Tampa, Florida, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a, you should start seeds indoors around Sunday, December 28, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, January 25, 2026. Plan to transplant your Honeydew Melon seedlings outdoors around Sunday, February 8, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.