When to plant cantaloupe in South Dakota

Cantaloupe
Plant out in Sioux Falls
May 10–May 24

Across South Dakota the window opens between May 10 and May 22. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Start indoors, Sioux Falls
Mar 29–Apr 5
Plant out, Sioux Falls
May 10–May 24
Sow outdoors, Sioux Falls
May 10–May 24
Last sowing for a harvest
Jul 1
Last frost, Sioux Falls
Apr 26

Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost; plant out 2–4 weeks after the last frost; sow outdoors 2–4 weeks after the last frost. A ripe cantaloupe slips off the vine with a light push.

Cantaloupe planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sioux FallsMay 10–May 24
Rapid CityMay 17–May 31
AberdeenMay 22–Jun 5
BrookingsMay 20–Jun 3
WatertownMay 21–Jun 4

Questions

When should I plant cantaloupe in South Dakota?

In Sioux Falls, plant out from May 10 to May 24. Across South Dakota the window opens between May 10 and May 22, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost; plant out 2–4 weeks after the last frost; sow outdoors 2–4 weeks after the last frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.

More for South Dakota

Cantaloupe in other states

Frost dates for every city in South Dakota