Quick Facts
🌡️ Season
Warm-Season
☀️ Sun Needs
Full Sun (6+ hrs)
💧 Water
High
📐 Spacing
72 inches apart
🕳️ Planting Depth
1 inch deep
📅 Days to Harvest
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
6–6.8
🌡️ Min Soil Temp
70°F
🏠 Start Indoors
3 weeks before last frost
🌱 Direct Sow
Yes
🔥 Heat Tolerance
High
❄️ Cold Tolerance
None
When to Plant Watermelon by Zone
Planting dates vary by USDA hardiness zone. Find your zone at the Smart Planner.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zones 3–4 (Cold) | Apr | Jun | Jun | Aug, Sep |
| Zones 5–6 (Cool) | Apr | May, Jun | May, Jun | Aug, Sep |
| Zones 7–8 (Moderate) | Mar | Apr, May | Apr | Jul, Aug |
| Zones 9–10 (Warm) | Feb | Mar, Apr | Mar | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Zones 11–13 (Tropical) | Jan | Feb, Mar | Feb | May, Jun, Jul |
Recommended Varieties
Crimson Sweet
Classic striped, sweet red flesh🔥 Heat Tolerant
Sugar Baby
Compact icebox type, perfect for small gardens🔥 Heat Tolerant
🌿 Companion Planting
Plant With
🌽 corn🌻 sunflower🌼 marigold
Keep Away From
✗ potato
🗺️ Growing Zones
12345678910111213
Highlighted zones are suitable for growing watermelon.
🛒 Shop Watermelon Seeds
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