When to plant watermelon
Watermelon is frost-tender, so start seeds indoors 2–4 weeks before your last frost; transplant 2–4 weeks after it. Plant when the soil is at least 70°F.
Watermelon dates for Columbus, Ohio (example)
Example dates. Enter your ZIP above for your own.
| Start indoors | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
|---|---|
| Transplant outside | May 4–18 |
| Sow outdoors | May 4–18 |
| Last planting for a harvest before frost | Jul 16 |
| Soil temperature | 70°F or warmer |
| Days to harvest | 70–100 |
| Spacing | 3–6 ft apart |
Your watermelon year
- Start indoors
- Transplant outside
- Sow outdoors
Average last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 24.
Growing tips for watermelon
- Watermelon needs a long, hot season; short-season areas should choose icebox varieties.
- Black plastic mulch warms the soil and can speed up harvest by a week or more.
- Ripe melons have a creamy yellow ground spot and a dried tendril nearest the fruit.
Work out indoor sowing for everything at once with the seed starting calculator.
When to plant watermelon in major cities
Calculated from each city's NOAA 1991–2020 average frost dates.
| City | Zone | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 7b | Apr 13–27 |
| Chicago, IL | 6b | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 10b | Feb 8–22 |
| Houston, TX | 9b | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 10a | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 7b | Apr 13–27 |
| Dallas, TX | 8b | Mar 16–30 |
| Atlanta, GA | 8a | Apr 7–21 |
| Seattle, WA | 9a | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Denver, CO | 6a | May 14–28 |
| Boston, MA | 7a | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 5a | May 7–21 |
| Kansas City, MO | 6b | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Nashville, TN | 7b | Apr 15–29 |
| Portland, OR | 9a | Mar 11–25 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 7b | Apr 14–28 |
| Columbus, OH | 6b | May 4–18 |
| Charlotte, NC | 8a | Apr 13–27 |
| Detroit, MI | 6b | May 5–19 |
| Raleigh, NC | 8a | Apr 11–25 |
Watermelon planting FAQ
When should I plant watermelon?
Watermelon is frost-tender, so start seeds indoors 2–4 weeks before your last frost; transplant 2–4 weeks after it. Plant when the soil is at least 70°F.
How many days until watermelon is ready to harvest?
Most watermelon varieties take about 70–100 days from sowing. Check the seed packet: early varieties are at the low end.
Can watermelon survive frost?
No. Watermelon is damaged or killed by a 32°F frost, so wait until after your last frost and cover plants if a late frost is forecast.
How far apart should I plant watermelon?
Space watermelon 3–6 ft apart.
What is the last date I can plant watermelon?
Count the variety's days to maturity back from your first fall frost. Enter your ZIP code on this page and Seasonwise calculates the date for you.
Ask about growing watermelon
Enter your ZIP above first and answers will use your local frost dates. Written by an AI model; double-check anything important.