When to plant watermelon
The rule
Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost; plant out 2–4 weeks after the last frost; sow outdoors 2–4 weeks after the last frost.
In short-season areas, start seedlings indoors and pick an early variety.
- Days to harvest
- 80–100
- Type
- Warm season
Start dates by state
Before FebFebruaryMarchAprilMayJune or later
| State | Largest city | Window |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Huntsville | Apr 7 to Apr 21 |
| Alaska | Anchorage | May 30 to Jun 13 |
| Arizona | Phoenix | Feb 15 to Mar 1 |
| Arkansas | Little Rock | Apr 4 to Apr 18 |
| California | San Jose | Feb 15 to Mar 1 |
| Colorado | Denver | May 18 to Jun 1 |
| Connecticut | Bridgeport | Apr 19 to May 3 |
| Delaware | Wilmington | Apr 21 to May 5 |
| District of Columbia | Washington | Apr 12 to Apr 26 |
| Florida | Jacksonville | Feb 15 to Mar 1 |
| Georgia | Atlanta | Apr 7 to Apr 21 |
| Hawaii | no frost date | |
| Idaho | Boise City | May 8 to May 22 |
| Illinois | Chicago | Apr 24 to May 8 |
| Indiana | Indianapolis | May 4 to May 18 |
| Iowa | Des Moines | May 2 to May 16 |
| Kansas | Wichita | Apr 25 to May 9 |
| Kentucky | Louisville/Jefferson County | Apr 20 to May 4 |
| Louisiana | New Orleans | Feb 15 to Mar 1 |
| Maine | Portland | May 10 to May 24 |
| Maryland | Baltimore | Apr 7 to Apr 21 |
| Massachusetts | Boston | Apr 18 to May 2 |
| Michigan | Detroit | May 11 to May 25 |
| Minnesota | Minneapolis | May 7 to May 21 |
| Mississippi | Jackson | Mar 20 to Apr 3 |
| Missouri | Kansas City | Apr 18 to May 2 |
| Montana | Billings | May 18 to Jun 1 |
| Nebraska | Omaha | Apr 30 to May 14 |
| Nevada | Las Vegas | Feb 15 to Mar 1 |
| New Hampshire | Manchester | May 14 to May 28 |
| New Jersey | Newark | Apr 18 to May 2 |
| New Mexico | Albuquerque | May 7 to May 21 |
| New York | New York | Apr 15 to Apr 29 |
| North Carolina | Charlotte | Apr 13 to Apr 27 |
| North Dakota | Fargo | May 18 to Jun 1 |
| Ohio | Columbus | May 4 to May 18 |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma City | Apr 18 to May 2 |
| Oregon | Portland | Mar 11 to Mar 25 |
| Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | Apr 13 to Apr 27 |
| Rhode Island | Providence | Apr 25 to May 9 |
| South Carolina | Charleston | Feb 18 to Mar 4 |
| South Dakota | Sioux Falls | May 10 to May 24 |
| Tennessee | Nashville | Apr 15 to Apr 29 |
| Texas | Houston | Feb 16 to Mar 2 |
| Utah | Salt Lake City | Apr 14 to Apr 28 |
| Vermont | Burlington | May 13 to May 27 |
| Virginia | Virginia Beach | Apr 12 to Apr 26 |
| Washington | Seattle | Mar 22 to Apr 5 |
| West Virginia | Charleston | Apr 30 to May 14 |
| Wisconsin | Milwaukee | May 10 to May 24 |
| Wyoming | Cheyenne | May 28 to Jun 11 |
Tomatoes
Potatoes
Tulip bulbs
Garlic
Pumpkins
Strawberries
Onions
Carrots
Sunflowers
Cucumbers
Daffodil bulbs
Corn