Cantaloupe Planting Dates Oklahoma

Best Planting Times

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Indoor Seed Starting	April 15 – May 15
	Transplant Outdoors	May 20 – June 5
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Oklahoma’s climate is generally warm, which is conducive to growing cantaloupes. However, it is important to consider local conditions, such as soil temperature and moisture levels, to ensure the best plant growth.

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Useful Tools for Starting Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Seeds

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your cantaloupes the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.

Browse Cantaloupe Seeds on Amazon

Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Greenhouse Growing

In Oklahoma, a greenhouse can help mitigate the extreme summer heat, ensuring that your cantaloupes get enough water and nutrient-rich air while protecting them from direct harsh sunlight. Greenhouses can also extend the growing season, allowing for earlier planting and protection from late frosts.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your cantaloupes thrive in a controlled environment.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal cantaloupe growth in Oklahoma, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Plant cantaloupes outdoors in Oklahoma approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is warm enough for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Oklahoma’s Major Cities

City	Average Last Frost Date
Oklahoma City	April 15
Tulsa	April 10
Norman	April 15
Broken Arrow	April 12
Edmond	April 18

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It is recommended to monitor local forecasts and adapt planting decisions accordingly.

Other planting guides for Oklahoma:

Broccoli Planting in Oklahoma

Pumpkin Planting in Oklahoma

Tomato Planting in Oklahoma

Any questions on how to grow? Visit our forum to discuss:Forum.

Starting Indoors

In Oklahoma (Zone 7), begin seeds indoors between March 15 and April 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-May to early June once the risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting Seedlings

Transplant seedlings outdoors from May 15 to June 1, ensuring the soil has warmed above 60°F consistently. Space the seedlings 12-24 inches apart in rows with at least 36 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Provide consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Oklahoma’s warm climate necessitates regular watering to prevent soil dryness.
• Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and when the first fruits start forming. Incorporating compost before planting can enhance soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly monitor for common pests like aphids, cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew. While Oklahoma has hot summers, pest vigilance is essential.
• Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect cucumber plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest cucumbers when they reach the desired size and color. Regular harvesting promotes continuous fruiting and prevents over-mature fruits.

Cantaloupe Facts

Cantaloupe is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin A and C, which support immune function and skin health.

It is low in calories, making it a great snack option for those watching their weight.

Cantaloupe is a good source of hydration due to its high water content, which is about 90%.

This fruit can help regulate blood pressure because it contains potassium.

It is often used in salads, smoothies, and as a cooling summer treat.

Cantaloupes are typically in season during the summer months, from June to August in many regions.

In my garden, I try to compost as much as possible so I can mix in the nutrient-rich compost in my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”.
If you don’t have the time or space for composting, it is possible to get compost ready to use in garden centers and Community Composting.
You can read more on Community Composting here:https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/community-composting

If you are uncertain of the quality of your soil, you can get easy-to-use soil tests at Amazon for 17 dollars. Check latest prices here:Soil testing kit.

Also remember to check out how much sunlight your growing area gets, and that the rain drains well. If you treat your soil well and plan your crops according to your climate you will succeed with any plant you want.

The satisfaction when you harvest your own produce is well worth the time you put in 🙂