When to plant watermelon in Mississippi

Plant out in Jackson

Mar 20–Apr 3

Across Mississippi the window opens between February 26 and April 17. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Start indoors, Jackson: Feb 6–Feb 13
Plant out, Jackson: Mar 20–Apr 3
Sow outdoors, Jackson: Mar 20–Apr 3
Last sowing for a harvest: Jul 28
Last frost, Jackson: Mar 6

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

JacksonMar 20–Apr 3

GulfportMar 9–Mar 23

SouthavenMar 30–Apr 13

HattiesburgMar 21–Apr 4

BiloxiFeb 26–Mar 12

Olive BranchApr 9–Apr 23

TupeloApr 4–Apr 18

MeridianMar 30–Apr 13

PearlMar 28–Apr 11

MadisonMar 20–Apr 3

OxfordApr 17–May 1

Horn LakeMar 30–Apr 13

ClintonMar 20–Apr 3

GreenvilleMar 27–Apr 10

BrandonMar 28–Apr 11

StarkvilleApr 6–Apr 20

RidgelandMar 20–Apr 3

ColumbusMar 27–Apr 10

PascagoulaMar 22–Apr 5

Questions

When should I plant watermelon in Mississippi?

In Jackson, plant out from March 20 to April 3. Across Mississippi the window opens between February 26 and April 17, 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 Mississippi

Watermelon in other states

Frost dates for every city in Mississippi