When to plant Watermelon and cantaloupe in Montana
In spring, from May 15 – June 15 in Billings to June 1 – 15 in Missoula.
For a fall crop, from May 1 – June 15 in Belgrade to June 1 – 15 in Billings.
Cantaloupe (muskmelon) dates are the same as watermelon except where the table notes them.
USDA's earliest safe spring and latest safe fall planting dates, matched to each place's average frost dates.
| Place | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Belgrade | Not listed | May 1 – June 15 |
| Billings | May 15 – June 15 | June 1 – 15 |
| Bozeman | Not listed | May 1 – June 15 |
| Butte-Silver Bow (balance) | Not listed | Not listed |
| Great Falls | June 1 – 15 | May 15 – June 1 |
| Helena | June 1 – 15 | May 15 – June 1 |
| Kalispell | Not listed | Not listed |
| Missoula | June 1 – 15 | May 15 – June 1 |
Planting dates: USDA Home and Garden Bulletin No. 9 (1967), tables 4 and 5. Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020. The full USDA table for watermelon.
Updated