When to plant melon (cantaloupe/watermelon) in Sydney
Melon (cantaloupe/watermelon) is frost-tender, so every date keys off Sydney's last spring frost of Jul 25.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Jul 4 – Jul 25
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Aug 8 – Aug 29
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Oct 22 – Nov 16
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
75 – 100 d
Sydney's 345-day season leaves this much room.
Melon (cantaloupe/watermelon) on Sydney's growing year
Frost-bounded season with crops mapped onto the 12-month axis.
Frost risk Growing Harvest
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
JUL 25
JUL 5
Common questions
When can I sow melon (cantaloupe/watermelon) outdoors in Sydney?
Direct-sow around early August (Aug 8–Aug 29) in Sydney, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.
When will melon (cantaloupe/watermelon) be ready to harvest in Sydney?
Expect to harvest from around late October (Oct 22–Nov 16) in Sydney, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 76%.
When should I start melon (cantaloupe/watermelon) seeds indoors in Sydney?
Start seeds indoors around early July (Jul 4–Jul 25) in Sydney, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.
When can I transplant melon (cantaloupe/watermelon) outdoors in Sydney?
Transplant outdoors around early August (Aug 8–Aug 29) in Sydney, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.
How long is the growing season in Sydney?
Sydney has roughly 345 frost-free days, which is enough time to grow melon (cantaloupe/watermelon) to maturity outdoors.
The rule of thumb
Sow melon (cantaloupe/watermelon) 6–8 weeks before your last spring frost; plant out 2–3 weeks after it. Every date on this page is derived from that rule and Sydney's frost dates.
Confidence 84/100 · NOAA GHCN-Daily · 1991–2020 normals · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.