When to plant watermelon in Alaska

Plant out in Anchorage

May 30–Jun 13

Across Alaska the window opens between May 17 and May 30. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Start indoors, Anchorage: Apr 18–Apr 25
Plant out, Anchorage: May 30–Jun 13
Sow outdoors, Anchorage: May 30–Jun 13
Last frost, Anchorage: May 16

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.

Watermelon planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

AnchorageMay 30–Jun 13

JuneauMay 17–May 31

FairbanksMay 30–Jun 13

In Fairbanks the frost-free season is shorter than watermelon need. Start plants indoors and pick early varieties.

Questions

When should I plant watermelon in Alaska?

In Anchorage, plant out from May 30 to June 13. Across Alaska the window opens between May 17 and May 30, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

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. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.

Is the season long enough for watermelon everywhere in Alaska?

Not quite. In Fairbanks the frost-free season is shorter than the time watermelon need to ripen. Start plants indoors and pick an early variety.