When to plant watermelon in Louisiana

Plant out in New Orleans

Feb 15–Mar 1

Across Louisiana the window opens between February 15 and March 25. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Start indoors, New Orleans: Jan 4–Jan 11
Plant out, New Orleans: Feb 15–Mar 1
Sow outdoors, New Orleans: Feb 15–Mar 1
Last sowing for a harvest: Sep 13
Last frost, New Orleans: Jan 22

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

New OrleansFeb 15–Mar 1

Baton RougeMar 14–Mar 28

ShreveportMar 23–Apr 6

MetairieFeb 15–Mar 1

LafayetteMar 12–Mar 26

Lake CharlesFeb 28–Mar 14

St. GeorgeMar 14–Mar 28

KennerFeb 15–Mar 1

Bossier CityMar 14–Mar 28

MonroeMar 22–Apr 5

AlexandriaMar 13–Mar 27

PrairievilleFeb 23–Mar 9

MarreroFeb 15–Mar 1

HoumaFeb 19–Mar 5

CentralMar 11–Mar 25

LaplaceFeb 23–Mar 9

SlidellMar 10–Mar 24

New IberiaFeb 24–Mar 10

TerrytownFeb 15–Mar 1

HammondMar 22–Apr 5

ChalmetteFeb 24–Mar 10

RustonMar 25–Apr 8

Bayou CaneFeb 19–Mar 5

HarveyFeb 15–Mar 1

ZacharyMar 11–Mar 25

SulphurFeb 28–Mar 14

Questions

When should I plant watermelon in Louisiana?

In New Orleans, plant out from February 15 to March 1. Across Louisiana the window opens between February 15 and March 25, 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.

More for Louisiana

Watermelon in other states

Frost dates for every city in Louisiana