When to plant watermelon in Nevada

Plant out in Las Vegas

Feb 15–Mar 1

Across Nevada the window opens between February 15 and June 12. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Start indoors, Las Vegas: Jan 4–Jan 11
Plant out, Las Vegas: Feb 15–Mar 1
Sow outdoors, Las Vegas: Feb 15–Mar 1
Last sowing for a harvest: Aug 18
Last frost, Las Vegas: Jan 24

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

Las VegasFeb 15–Mar 1

North Las VegasFeb 15–Mar 1

RenoMay 12–May 26

Spring ValleyFeb 18–Mar 4

Sunrise ManorFeb 15–Mar 1

ParadiseFeb 15–Mar 1

SparksMay 15–May 29

Carson CityMay 18–Jun 1

PahrumpApr 12–Apr 26

WinchesterFeb 15–Mar 1

Summerlin SouthMar 27–Apr 10

FernleyMay 2–May 16

MesquiteMar 30–Apr 13

Sun ValleyMay 12–May 26

ElkoJun 12–Jun 26

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

Questions

When should I plant watermelon in Nevada?

In Las Vegas, plant out from February 15 to March 1. Across Nevada the window opens between February 15 and June 12, 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 Nevada?

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