When to plant watermelon 🍉
Watermelon takes 70–100 days to mature, spaced 36" apart at 1" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Direct sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April 27 – May 11 | June 8 – June 22 | June 8 – June 22 | August 17 – September 14 |
| Zone 4 | April 17 – May 1 | May 29 – June 12 | May 29 – June 12 | August 7 – September 4 |
| Zone 5 | April 3 – April 17 | May 15 – May 29 | May 15 – May 29 | July 24 – August 21 |
| Zone 6 | March 18 – April 1 | April 29 – May 13 | April 29 – May 13 | July 8 – August 5 |
| Zone 7 | March 4 – March 18 | April 15 – April 29 | April 15 – April 29 | June 24 – July 22 |
| Zone 8 | February 16 – March 1 | March 29 – April 12 | March 29 – April 12 | June 7 – July 5 |
| Zone 9 | January 18 – February 1 | February 29 – March 14 | February 29 – March 14 | May 9 – June 6 |
| Zone 10 | January 2 – January 16 | February 13 – February 27 | February 13 – February 27 | April 23 – May 21 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized watermelon planting dates
Care tips
- Plant in warmest spot you have.
- Reduce water as fruit nears ripeness for sweetness.
- Check ripeness by the curly tendril nearest the fruit turning brown.
Good companions
Corn, Radish, Nasturtium.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
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Frequently asked questions
When should I start watermelon seeds indoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, start watermelon seeds indoors between April 3 and April 17 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).
When should I start watermelon seeds indoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, start watermelon seeds indoors between March 18 and April 1 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).
When should I start watermelon seeds indoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, start watermelon seeds indoors between March 4 and March 18 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).
When should I start watermelon seeds indoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, start watermelon seeds indoors between February 16 and March 1 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).
When can I transplant watermelon seedlings outdoors?▾
Transplant watermelon seedlings about 2–4 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around April 29–May 13.
How long does watermelon take to grow?▾
Watermelon typically takes 70–100 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 12–16 weeks after the last spring frost.