When to plant cantaloupe in New Jersey
New Jersey spans USDA zones 6b–8a, so the right time to plant cantaloupe shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about April 2 in Atlantic City to May 7 in Hillsborough — below are local dates for 158 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | 7b | April 4 | November 6 | April 11 – April 18 |
| Jersey City | 7b | April 4 | November 6 | April 11 – April 18 |
| Paterson | 7a | April 15 | October 28 | April 22 – April 29 |
| Elizabeth | 7b | April 2 | November 10 | April 9 – April 16 |
| Toms River | 7a | April 23 | October 20 | April 30 – May 7 |
| Trenton | 7a | April 17 | October 28 | April 24 – May 1 |
| Clifton | 7a | April 15 | October 28 | April 22 – April 29 |
| Bayonne | 7b | April 2 | November 10 | April 9 – April 16 |
Cantaloupe in New Jersey: FAQ
When can I plant cantaloupe in New Jersey?
Across New Jersey, the time to transplant cantaloupe spans roughly April 2 in Atlantic City to May 7 in Hillsborough, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the cantaloupe planting date vary across New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey publishes 158 cities with their own frost dates, so the right cantaloupe 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 cantaloupe take to grow in New Jersey?
Cantaloupe takes about 70–90 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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