Question 1

What USDA zones can you grow watermelon in?

Accepted Answer

Watermelon is a warm-season crop that can be grown in USDA zones 3 through 11. It needs 70-90 frost-free days of warm weather. In cold, short-season zones (3-5), start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before your last frost and choose fast 'icebox' varieties; in zones 8-11 you can direct sow outdoors once the soil warms past 70°F.

Question 2

How long does watermelon take to grow from seed to harvest?

Accepted Answer

Most watermelons take 80-95 days from seed to ripe fruit. Small 'icebox' types (like Sugar Baby) mature in about 70-80 days, while large picnic types (like Crimson Sweet) need 85-95 days of warm weather.

Question 3

How do you know when a watermelon is ripe?

Accepted Answer

Look for three signs: the ground spot where the melon rests on the soil turns from white to creamy yellow, the curly tendril nearest the fruit dries and browns, and the rind goes dull and is hard to scratch with a fingernail. A ripe melon also gives a deep, hollow thump when tapped.

Question 4

Why is my watermelon not sweet?

Accepted Answer

Sweetness comes from heat, sun, and reduced watering near harvest. Grow in full sun, avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer, and cut back on water during the final 1-2 weeks as the fruit sizes up: excess water at ripening dilutes the sugars. Harvesting too early (before the tendril dries) is the most common cause of bland fruit.

Question 5

How much space does a watermelon plant need?

Accepted Answer

Give each plant 3-4 feet within the row and 6-8 feet between rows: vines can sprawl 6-12 feet. In small gardens, grow compact icebox varieties on a sturdy trellis and support the fruit with cloth slings.

Question 6

Can you grow watermelon in a short-season or cold climate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In zones 3-5, start seeds indoors about 3-4 weeks before the last frost, transplant carefully (watermelons resent root disturbance), warm the soil with black plastic mulch, and use floating row cover early. Choose quick-maturing varieties (70-80 days) so the fruit ripens before fall.

Question 7

When should I plant Watermelon in Alabama?

Accepted Answer

North Alabama: May 15–Jun 15. South Alabama: Mar 1–May 1. Source: Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn universities), Vegetable Seasons in Alabama (ANR-1165), revised January 2023.

Question 8

When should I plant Watermelon in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

elevation 10–1,000 ft: Dec 15–Apr 1. elevation 1,000–2,000 ft: Feb 15–Apr 1. elevation 2,000–3,000 ft: Mar 15–Jun 1. elevation 3,000–4,500 ft: May 10–Jul 15. elevation 4,500–6,000 ft: May 1–Jun 1. Source: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Ten Steps to a Successful Vegetable Garden (AZ1435), revised February 2015.

Question 9

When should I plant Watermelon in Arkansas?

Accepted Answer

dates for central Arkansas (frost zones B and C): Apr–Jun. Source: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Cooperative Extension Program (an 1890 land-grant university), Year-Round Home Garden Planting Chart (MP422), revised October 2024.

Question 10

When should I plant Watermelon in California?

Accepted Answer

Bay Area coast (Contra Costa County bay shore, Sunset zone 17): May–Jun 15. Bay Area interior (central and eastern Contra Costa County, Sunset zones 14–16): Apr–May. North Coast (the Handbook's region from Monterey County north) (Watermelons): May–Jun. Sacramento Valley (dates for the Sacramento area): Apr 15–Jun. Wine Country (Sonoma County) (Melons (cantaloupe, watermelon)): May–Jun. Source: UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County, Vegetable Planting Guide for Coastal Regions (printable guide v-2020-02-27; web edition revised May 18, 2026); UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County, Vegetable Planting Guide for Interior Regions (printable guide v-2020-02-27; web edition revised May 18, 2026); University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, California Master Gardener Handbook (Publication 3338), Table 14.2, 2002; UC Cooperative Extension Sacramento County, Sacramento Vegetable Planting Schedule (Environmental Horticulture Notes EHN 11), August 2017, updated; Master Gardeners of Sonoma County (UC Cooperative Extension), Vegetable Planting Summary, Pub No. 090924, Rev. July 2019.

Question 11

When should I plant Watermelon in Central Florida?

Accepted Answer

between State Roads 40 and 70: Jan–Mar. Source: UF/IFAS Extension, Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide (SP 103), Table 1, revised June 2025.

Question 12

When should I plant Watermelon in Central Illinois?

Accepted Answer

Illinois, central region: May 10–Jun 15. Source: University of Illinois Extension, When to Plant in Illinois, modified May 2025.

Question 13

When should I plant Watermelon in Central Missouri?

Accepted Answer

Central and southwestern Missouri: May 1–20. Source: University of Missouri Extension, Vegetable Planting Calendar (G6201), revised March 2015, reviewed February 2016.

Question 14

When should I plant Watermelon in Delaware?

Accepted Answer

statewide schedule (2004) (Watermelons): May 15–Jun 15. Source: University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, Vegetable Planting Guide (HG-34.3), revised February 2004, in Planning a Vegetable Garden (New Castle County Master Gardeners).

Question 15

When should I plant Watermelon in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

dates for middle Georgia (Watermelon – large): Mar 20–May 1. dates for middle Georgia (Watermelon – round): Mar 20–May 1. dates for middle Georgia (Watermelon – small): Mar 20–May 1. Source: University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Vegetable Gardening in Georgia (Circular 963), reviewed March 2026.

Question 16

When should I plant Watermelon in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

dates for zone 7: Apr 3–10 (indoors). dates for zones 3–4: May 1–8 (indoors). dates for zones 5–6: Apr 13–20 (indoors). Source: University of Idaho Extension, Spring Vegetable Planting Guide for Idaho (BUL 965), April 2020.

Question 17

When should I plant Watermelon in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

statewide; dates for Central Iowa: Mid May–Mid Jun. Source: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Planting and Harvesting Times for Garden Vegetables (HORT 3124), July 2024.

Question 18

When should I plant Watermelon in Kansas?

Accepted Answer

statewide; one chart for most of Kansas: May 8–Jun 15. Source: K-State Research and Extension, Vegetable Garden Planting Guide (MF315), revised February 2023.

Question 19

When should I plant Watermelon in Louisiana?

Accepted Answer

North Louisiana, and central Louisiana in spring (Watermelons): Mar 15–Jun 30. South Louisiana (Watermelons): Mar 15–Jul 15. Source: LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide (Pub. 1980), revised May 2020.

Question 20

When should I plant Watermelon in Maryland?

Accepted Answer

central Maryland dates; shift 1–2 weeks elsewhere: May 15–Jun 14. Source: University of Maryland Extension, Home & Garden Information Center, Vegetable Planting Calendar for Central Maryland, March 2026.

Question 21

When should I plant Watermelon in Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

statewide: Mid May. Source: University of Minnesota Extension, Planting the vegetable garden, reviewed 2026.

Question 22

When should I plant Watermelon in Nevada?

Accepted Answer

Reno area: Late May–Mid Jun. Southern Nevada: Mid Mar–Late Jun. Source: University of Nevada, Reno Extension Master Gardeners, Northern Area (Reno) Planting Schedule (K. Brinkerhoff), 2023; University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Becoming a Desert Gardener (SP-01-15), section “Vegetable Planting Guide for Southern Nevada” by Clarita Huffman, copyright 2008.

Question 23

When should I plant Watermelon in New Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

statewide schedule (2001): May 20–Jun 1. Source: UNH Cooperative Extension, Planting & Maturity Dates of Vegetables in New Hampshire, revised July 2001.

Question 24

When should I plant Watermelon in New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

statewide; planting months (Watermelons): Jun. Source: Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Planning a Vegetable Garden (Fact Sheet FS129), Peter Nitzsche and Steve Reiners, April 2020.

Question 25

When should I plant Watermelon in New Mexico?

Accepted Answer

Area 1: at least 180 frost-free days: Apr 1–15. Area 2: 150 to 180 frost-free days: Apr 20–May 20. Area 3: fewer than 150 frost-free days: May 1–15. Source: New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service, Growing Zones, Recommended Crop Varieties, and Planting and Harvesting Information for Home Vegetable Gardens in New Mexico (Circular 457-B), revised January 2021.

Question 26

When should I plant Watermelon in New York?

Accepted Answer

Upstate; last frost about May 20: Jun 5–20. Source: Cornell Vegetable Program, Vegetable Planting Dates for Upstate New York, compiled by Steve Reiners, March 2026.

Question 27

When should I plant Watermelon in North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Piedmont region (Central calendar) (Melons, watermelon): Apr 15–Jun 30. Coastal Plain region (Eastern calendar) (Melons, watermelon): Apr 15–Jun 30. Mountain region (Western calendar) (Melons, watermelon): May 15–Jun 30. Source: NC State Extension, Central North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs (AG-756-01), July 2016; NC State Extension, Eastern North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs (AG-756-02), July 2016; NC State Extension, Western North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs (AG-756-03), September 2021.

Question 28

When should I plant Watermelon in North Florida?

Accepted Answer

north of State Road 40: Late Mar–Apr, July–Aug. Source: UF/IFAS Extension, Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide (SP 103), Table 1, revised June 2025.

Question 29

When should I plant Watermelon in North Missouri?

Accepted Answer

Northern Missouri and the Ozark Plateau: May 10–20. Source: University of Missouri Extension, Vegetable Planting Calendar (G6201), revised March 2015, reviewed February 2016.

Question 30

When should I plant Watermelon in Northern Illinois?

Accepted Answer

Illinois, northern region: May 24–Jul 1. Source: University of Illinois Extension, When to Plant in Illinois, modified May 2025.

Question 31

When should I plant Watermelon in Ohio?

Accepted Answer

statewide; dates for Zone 6a on the 2012 map: May 15–Jun 30. Source: Ohio State University Extension, Ohio Gardening Calendar (no date printed; file created March 2022).

Question 32

When should I plant Watermelon in Oklahoma?

Accepted Answer

statewide; each range runs southeast to northwest: May 1–20. Source: Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma Garden Planning Guide (HLA-6004), February 2021, and Fall Gardening (HLA-6009), revised October 2016.

Question 33

When should I plant Watermelon in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

Region 2, the western valleys from Portland to Roseburg (Watermelons): May. Region 3, high elevations of central and eastern Oregon (Watermelons): Jun. Region 4, the Columbia and Snake River valleys (Watermelons): May. Source: Oregon State University Extension Service, Growing Your Own: A Practical Guide to Gardening in Oregon (EM 9027), revised August 2022.

Question 34

When should I plant Watermelon in South Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Coastal Plain: Apr 1–30. Piedmont: Apr 15–Jun 15. Source: Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center, Planning a Garden (HGIC 1256), revised February 2021.

Question 35

When should I plant Watermelon in South Dakota?

Accepted Answer

statewide; planting months from SDSU's table: May–Jun. Source: SDSU Extension, Vegetable Gardening in South Dakota (P-00123), revised March 2026.

Question 36

When should I plant Watermelon in South Florida?

Accepted Answer

south of State Road 70: Dec–Mar. Source: UF/IFAS Extension, Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide (SP 103), Table 1, revised June 2025.

Question 37

When should I plant Watermelon in South Missouri?

Accepted Answer

The southeastern corner and the Bootheel: Apr 20–May 15. Source: University of Missouri Extension, Vegetable Planting Calendar (G6201), revised March 2015, reviewed February 2016.

Question 38

When should I plant Watermelon in Southern Illinois?

Accepted Answer

Illinois, southern region: Apr 28–Jun 1. Source: University of Illinois Extension, When to Plant in Illinois, modified May 2025.

Question 39

When should I plant Watermelon in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

statewide: May 1–Jun 30. Source: UT Extension, Backyard Vegetables: The Tennessee Vegetable Garden, Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (W 346-B), December 2015, Table 5.

Question 40

When should I plant Watermelon in Texas?

Accepted Answer

El Paso County: May 8–Jun 22. Region I, the northern Panhandle: May 10–15. Region II, South Plains to Trans-Pecos, plus a Red River and East Texas strip: Apr 10–May 1. Region III, Dallas–Fort Worth south to San Antonio and Houston: Mar 15–May 1. Region IV, south of San Antonio to Laredo, Corpus Christi and Victoria: Feb 20–Apr 1. Region V, the Lower Rio Grande Valley: Feb 1–Apr 1. Source: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, El Paso County, Home Vegetable Gardening Planting Calendar for El Paso County, compiled by John M. White, December 2012 (date from the file name); Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Spring Planting Guide for Vegetable Crops (Aggie Horticulture, undated) and Fall Vegetable Gardening Guide (HORT-PU-082), May 2014.

Question 41

When should I plant Watermelon in Virginia?

Accepted Answer

Zone 6a table: May 20–Jul 1. Zone 6b table: May 15–Jul 1. Zone 7a table: May 1–Jul 10. Zone 7b table: Apr 20–Jul 20. Zone 8a table: Apr 10–Aug 1. Zone 8b table: Apr 10–Aug 1. Source: Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia's Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide: Recommended Planting Dates and Amounts to Plant (426-331), 2025.

Question 42

When should I plant Watermelon in West Virginia?

Accepted Answer

statewide: May–Jun. Source: WVU Extension, Succession Planting, Table 1 (Planting Calendar for Garden and Open-Field Vegetable Crops in West Virginia), last updated January 3, 2023.

Where	Planting window	Guide
Alabama North Alabama Zones 7b, 8a, 8b	May 15–Jun 15 Guide lists: Watermelon	Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn universities), Vegetable Seasons in Alabama (ANR-1165), revised January 2023
Alabama South Alabama Zones 8b, 9a	Mar 1–May 1 Guide lists: Watermelon	Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn universities), Vegetable Seasons in Alabama (ANR-1165), revised January 2023
Arizona elevation 10–1,000 ft Zones 9a, 9b, 10a	Dec 15–Apr 1 Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Ten Steps to a Successful Vegetable Garden (AZ1435), revised February 2015
Arizona elevation 1,000–2,000 ft Zones 9a, 9b, 10a	Feb 15–Apr 1 Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Ten Steps to a Successful Vegetable Garden (AZ1435), revised February 2015
Arizona elevation 2,000–3,000 ft Zones 8b, 9a, 9b	Mar 15–Jun 1 Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Ten Steps to a Successful Vegetable Garden (AZ1435), revised February 2015
Arizona elevation 3,000–4,500 ft Zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a	May 10–Jul 15 Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Ten Steps to a Successful Vegetable Garden (AZ1435), revised February 2015
Arizona elevation 4,500–6,000 ft Zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b	May 1–Jun 1 Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Ten Steps to a Successful Vegetable Garden (AZ1435), revised February 2015
Arkansas dates for central Arkansas (frost zones B and C) Zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b	Apr–Jun Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Cooperative Extension Program (an 1890 land-grant university), Year-Round Home Garden Planting Chart (MP422), revised October 2024
California Bay Area coast (Contra Costa County bay shore, Sunset zone 17) Zones 9b, 10a	May–Jun 15 Seed or transplant Guide lists: Watermelon	UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County, Vegetable Planting Guide for Coastal Regions (printable guide v-2020-02-27; web edition revised May 18, 2026)
California Bay Area interior (central and eastern Contra Costa County, Sunset zones 14–16) Zones 9b	Apr–May Seed or transplant Guide lists: Watermelon	UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County, Vegetable Planting Guide for Interior Regions (printable guide v-2020-02-27; web edition revised May 18, 2026)
California North Coast (the Handbook's region from Monterey County north) Zones 9a, 9b, 10a	May–Jun Guide lists: Watermelons	University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, California Master Gardener Handbook (Publication 3338), Table 14.2, 2002
California Sacramento Valley (dates for the Sacramento area) Zones 9b	Apr 15–Jun Seed Guide lists: Watermelon	UC Cooperative Extension Sacramento County, Sacramento Vegetable Planting Schedule (Environmental Horticulture Notes EHN 11), August 2017, updated
California Wine Country (Sonoma County) Zones 9a, 9b	May–Jun Transplant or seed Guide lists: Melons (cantaloupe, watermelon)	Master Gardeners of Sonoma County (UC Cooperative Extension), Vegetable Planting Summary, Pub No. 090924, Rev. July 2019
Central Florida between State Roads 40 and 70 Zones 9a, 9b, 10a	Jan–Mar Seed or container transplant Guide lists: Watermelon	UF/IFAS Extension, Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide (SP 103), Table 1, revised June 2025
Central Illinois Illinois, central region Zones 6a, 6b	May 10–Jun 15 Seed Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Illinois Extension, When to Plant in Illinois, modified May 2025
Central Missouri Central and southwestern Missouri Zones 6b, 7a	May 1–20 Seed Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Missouri Extension, Vegetable Planting Calendar (G6201), revised March 2015, reviewed February 2016
Delaware statewide schedule (2004) Zones 7a, 7b, 8a	May 15–Jun 15 Seed; or start inside Guide lists: Watermelons	University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, Vegetable Planting Guide (HG-34.3), revised February 2004, in Planning a Vegetable Garden (New Castle County Master Gardeners)
Georgia dates for middle Georgia Zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a	Mar 20–May 1 Seed Guide lists: Watermelon – large	University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Vegetable Gardening in Georgia (Circular 963), reviewed March 2026
Georgia dates for middle Georgia Zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a	Mar 20–May 1 Seed Guide lists: Watermelon – round	University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Vegetable Gardening in Georgia (Circular 963), reviewed March 2026
Georgia dates for middle Georgia Zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a	Mar 20–May 1 Seed Guide lists: Watermelon – small	University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Vegetable Gardening in Georgia (Circular 963), reviewed March 2026
Idaho dates for zone 7 Zones 7a, 7b	Apr 3–10 (indoors) Start indoors Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Idaho Extension, Spring Vegetable Planting Guide for Idaho (BUL 965), April 2020
Idaho dates for zones 3–4 Zones 4a	May 1–8 (indoors) Start indoors Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Idaho Extension, Spring Vegetable Planting Guide for Idaho (BUL 965), April 2020
Idaho dates for zones 5–6 Zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b	Apr 13–20 (indoors) Start indoors Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Idaho Extension, Spring Vegetable Planting Guide for Idaho (BUL 965), April 2020
Iowa statewide; dates for Central Iowa Zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a	Mid May–Mid Jun Direct sow Guide lists: Watermelon	Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Planting and Harvesting Times for Garden Vegetables (HORT 3124), July 2024
Kansas statewide; one chart for most of Kansas Zones 6a, 6b, 7a	May 8–Jun 15 Seed or Transplant Guide lists: Watermelon	K-State Research and Extension, Vegetable Garden Planting Guide (MF315), revised February 2023
Louisiana North Louisiana, and central Louisiana in spring Zones 8b, 9a	Mar 15–Jun 30 Direct-seed or plants Guide lists: Watermelons	LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide (Pub. 1980), revised May 2020
Louisiana South Louisiana Zones 9a, 9b, 10a	Mar 15–Jul 15 Direct-seed or plants Guide lists: Watermelons	LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide (Pub. 1980), revised May 2020
Maryland central Maryland dates; shift 1–2 weeks elsewhere Zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a	May 15–Jun 14 Seed (or seedlings) Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Maryland Extension, Home & Garden Information Center, Vegetable Planting Calendar for Central Maryland, March 2026
Minnesota statewide Zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a	Mid May Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Minnesota Extension, Planting the vegetable garden, reviewed 2026
Nevada Reno area Zones 7a, 7b	Late May–Mid Jun Transplants Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Nevada, Reno Extension Master Gardeners, Northern Area (Reno) Planting Schedule (K. Brinkerhoff), 2023
Nevada Southern Nevada Zones 9a, 9b	Mid Mar–Late Jun Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Becoming a Desert Gardener (SP-01-15), section “Vegetable Planting Guide for Southern Nevada” by Clarita Huffman, copyright 2008
New Hampshire statewide schedule (2001) Zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b	May 20–Jun 1 Seed Guide lists: Watermelon	UNH Cooperative Extension, Planting & Maturity Dates of Vegetables in New Hampshire, revised July 2001
New Jersey statewide; planting months Zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a	Jun Seed Guide lists: Watermelons	Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Planning a Vegetable Garden (Fact Sheet FS129), Peter Nitzsche and Steve Reiners, April 2020
New Mexico Area 1: at least 180 frost-free days Zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b	Apr 1–15 Guide lists: Watermelon	New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service, Growing Zones, Recommended Crop Varieties, and Planting and Harvesting Information for Home Vegetable Gardens in New Mexico (Circular 457-B), revised January 2021
New Mexico Area 2: 150 to 180 frost-free days Zones 6b, 7a, 7b	Apr 20–May 20 Guide lists: Watermelon	New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service, Growing Zones, Recommended Crop Varieties, and Planting and Harvesting Information for Home Vegetable Gardens in New Mexico (Circular 457-B), revised January 2021
New Mexico Area 3: fewer than 150 frost-free days Zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a	May 1–15 Guide lists: Watermelon	New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service, Growing Zones, Recommended Crop Varieties, and Planting and Harvesting Information for Home Vegetable Gardens in New Mexico (Circular 457-B), revised January 2021
New York Upstate; last frost about May 20 Zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b	Jun 5–20 Transplant Guide lists: Watermelon	Cornell Vegetable Program, Vegetable Planting Dates for Upstate New York, compiled by Steve Reiners, March 2026
North Carolina Piedmont region (Central calendar) Zones 7b, 8a	Apr 15–Jun 30 Seed or transplant Guide lists: Melons, watermelon	NC State Extension, Central North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs (AG-756-01), July 2016
North Carolina Coastal Plain region (Eastern calendar) Zones 8a, 8b, 9a	Apr 15–Jun 30 Seed or transplant Guide lists: Melons, watermelon	NC State Extension, Eastern North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs (AG-756-02), July 2016
North Carolina Mountain region (Western calendar) Zones 7a, 7b	May 15–Jun 30 Seed or transplant Guide lists: Melons, watermelon	NC State Extension, Western North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs (AG-756-03), September 2021
North Florida north of State Road 40 Zones 8b, 9a, 9b	Late Mar–Apr, July–Aug Seed or container transplant Guide lists: Watermelon	UF/IFAS Extension, Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide (SP 103), Table 1, revised June 2025
North Missouri Northern Missouri and the Ozark Plateau Zones 6a, 6b, 7a	May 10–20 Seed Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Missouri Extension, Vegetable Planting Calendar (G6201), revised March 2015, reviewed February 2016
Northern Illinois Illinois, northern region Zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b	May 24–Jul 1 Seed Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Illinois Extension, When to Plant in Illinois, modified May 2025
Ohio statewide; dates for Zone 6a on the 2012 map Zones 6a, 6b, 7a	May 15–Jun 30 Guide lists: Watermelon	Ohio State University Extension, Ohio Gardening Calendar (no date printed; file created March 2022)
Oklahoma statewide; each range runs southeast to northwest Zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a	May 1–20 Seed Guide lists: Watermelon	Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma Garden Planning Guide (HLA-6004), February 2021, and Fall Gardening (HLA-6009), revised October 2016
Oregon Region 2, the western valleys from Portland to Roseburg Zones 8b, 9a	May Start indoors 4 weeks before Guide lists: Watermelons	Oregon State University Extension Service, Growing Your Own: A Practical Guide to Gardening in Oregon (EM 9027), revised August 2022
Oregon Region 3, high elevations of central and eastern Oregon Zones 6a, 6b, 7a	Jun Start indoors 4 weeks before Guide lists: Watermelons	Oregon State University Extension Service, Growing Your Own: A Practical Guide to Gardening in Oregon (EM 9027), revised August 2022
Oregon Region 4, the Columbia and Snake River valleys Zones 7a, 7b	May Start indoors 4 weeks before Guide lists: Watermelons	Oregon State University Extension Service, Growing Your Own: A Practical Guide to Gardening in Oregon (EM 9027), revised August 2022
South Carolina Coastal Plain Zones 8b, 9a	Apr 1–30 Transplant Guide lists: Watermelon	Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center, Planning a Garden (HGIC 1256), revised February 2021
South Carolina Piedmont Zones 8a	Apr 15–Jun 15 Transplant Guide lists: Watermelon	Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center, Planning a Garden (HGIC 1256), revised February 2021
South Dakota statewide; planting months from SDSU's table Zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b	May–Jun Guide lists: Watermelon	SDSU Extension, Vegetable Gardening in South Dakota (P-00123), revised March 2026
South Florida south of State Road 70 Zones 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b	Dec–Mar Seed or container transplant Guide lists: Watermelon	UF/IFAS Extension, Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide (SP 103), Table 1, revised June 2025
South Missouri The southeastern corner and the Bootheel Zones 7a, 7b	Apr 20–May 15 Seed Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Missouri Extension, Vegetable Planting Calendar (G6201), revised March 2015, reviewed February 2016
Southern Illinois Illinois, southern region Zones 6b, 7a	Apr 28–Jun 1 Seed Guide lists: Watermelon	University of Illinois Extension, When to Plant in Illinois, modified May 2025
Tennessee statewide Zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a	May 1–Jun 30 Seed Guide lists: Watermelon	UT Extension, Backyard Vegetables: The Tennessee Vegetable Garden, Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (W 346-B), December 2015, Table 5
Texas El Paso County Zones 8a, 8b	May 8–Jun 22 Guide lists: Watermelon	Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, El Paso County, Home Vegetable Gardening Planting Calendar for El Paso County, compiled by John M. White, December 2012 (date from the file name)
Texas Region I, the northern Panhandle Zones 6b, 7a	May 10–15 Guide lists: Watermelon	Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Spring Planting Guide for Vegetable Crops (Aggie Horticulture, undated) and Fall Vegetable Gardening Guide (HORT-PU-082), May 2014
Texas Region II, South Plains to Trans-Pecos, plus a Red River and East Texas strip Zones 7b, 8a, 8b	Apr 10–May 1 Guide lists: Watermelon	Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Spring Planting Guide for Vegetable Crops (Aggie Horticulture, undated) and Fall Vegetable Gardening Guide (HORT-PU-082), May 2014
Texas Region III, Dallas–Fort Worth south to San Antonio and Houston Zones 8b, 9a, 9b	Mar 15–May 1 Guide lists: Watermelon	Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Spring Planting Guide for Vegetable Crops (Aggie Horticulture, undated) and Fall Vegetable Gardening Guide (HORT-PU-082), May 2014
Texas Region IV, south of San Antonio to Laredo, Corpus Christi and Victoria Zones 9a, 9b, 10a	Feb 20–Apr 1 Guide lists: Watermelon	Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Spring Planting Guide for Vegetable Crops (Aggie Horticulture, undated) and Fall Vegetable Gardening Guide (HORT-PU-082), May 2014
Texas Region V, the Lower Rio Grande Valley Zones 9b, 10a	Feb 1–Apr 1 Guide lists: Watermelon	Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Spring Planting Guide for Vegetable Crops (Aggie Horticulture, undated) and Fall Vegetable Gardening Guide (HORT-PU-082), May 2014
Virginia Zone 6a table Zones 6a	May 20–Jul 1 Guide lists: Watermelon	Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia's Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide: Recommended Planting Dates and Amounts to Plant (426-331), 2025
Virginia Zone 6b table Zones 6b	May 15–Jul 1 Guide lists: Watermelon	Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia's Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide: Recommended Planting Dates and Amounts to Plant (426-331), 2025
Virginia Zone 7a table Zones 7a	May 1–Jul 10 Guide lists: Watermelon	Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia's Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide: Recommended Planting Dates and Amounts to Plant (426-331), 2025
Virginia Zone 7b table Zones 7b	Apr 20–Jul 20 Guide lists: Watermelon	Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia's Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide: Recommended Planting Dates and Amounts to Plant (426-331), 2025
Virginia Zone 8a table Zones 8a	Apr 10–Aug 1 Guide lists: Watermelon	Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia's Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide: Recommended Planting Dates and Amounts to Plant (426-331), 2025
Virginia Zone 8b table Zones 8b	Apr 10–Aug 1 Guide lists: Watermelon	Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia's Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide: Recommended Planting Dates and Amounts to Plant (426-331), 2025
West Virginia statewide Zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a	May–Jun Guide lists: Watermelon	WVU Extension, Succession Planting, Table 1 (Planting Calendar for Garden and Open-Field Vegetable Crops in West Virginia), last updated January 3, 2023

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Top Growing Tips

Choosing a Variety by Season Length

Spacing, Sun & Soil

Watering

Common Problems

Companion Planting

Harvest Timeline

Related Vegetables