How to Grow Winter Melon
Benincasa hispida
Winter melon (wax gourd) is a vigorous trailing vine needing full sun, rich moisture-retentive soil, and a long hot growing season. Start indoors in warm conditions and plant out well after the last frost into compost-rich mounds with generous spacing. Train vines along fences or trellises to save space. Keep soil consistently moist and feed weekly with high-potash fertiliser once fruits form. Harvest when the characteristic waxy bloom develops on the skin. The waxy coating allows exceptional storage of 12 months or more in cool, dry conditions.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 15°C and soil has warmed to at least 18°C.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- High-potash liquid feed weekly once fruits begin to swell. Plant in rich soil amended with plenty of compost or well-rotted manure.
- The waxy coating on mature fruit allows storage for 12 months or more in a cool, dry place. Widely used in Asian soups, stews, and stir-fries.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 18°C+
- Germination temperature
- 22–30°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 120 cm |
| Row spacing | 150 cm |
| Sow depth | 2.5 cm |
| Mature height | 50 cm |
| Mature spread | 300 cm |
Large trailing vine needing substantial space. Train along fences or trellises if space is limited.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 18°C |
| Germination temperature | 22–30°C |
| Base growth temperature | 15°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 12h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Winter Melon?
- Plant Winter Melon 120cm apart with 150cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Winter Melon?
- Winter Melon is ready to harvest approximately 100 days after transplanting.
- Is Winter Melon frost hardy?
- Winter Melon is classified as Tender.
