When to plant bitter melon in Wisconsin
Wisconsin spans USDA zones 4b–6a, so the right time to plant bitter melon shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about May 3 in Pleasant Prairie to May 25 in River Falls — below are local dates for 97 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 6a | April 26 | October 18 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Madison | 5a | May 1 | October 9 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Green Bay | 5b | May 7 | October 9 | May 21 – May 28 |
| Kenosha | 5b | April 28 | October 19 | May 12 – May 19 |
| Racine | 6a | April 20 | October 24 | May 4 – May 11 |
| Appleton | 5b | May 4 | October 6 | May 18 – May 25 |
| Waukesha | 5b | May 1 | October 13 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Eau Claire | 4b | April 24 | October 14 | May 8 – May 15 |
Bitter Melon in Wisconsin: FAQ
When can I plant bitter melon in Wisconsin?
Across Wisconsin, the time to transplant bitter melon spans roughly May 3 in Pleasant Prairie to May 25 in River Falls, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the bitter melon planting date vary across Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin publishes 97 cities with their own frost dates, so the right bitter melon planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does bitter melon take to grow in Wisconsin?
Bitter Melon takes about 55–70 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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