Watermelon Planting Guide — All Zones
Citrullus lanatus
Last updated: Apr 25, 2026Quick Facts
Sunlight
☀️ Full Sun
Water Needs
💧💧💧 High
Spacing
72 inches apart
Planting Depth
1.0 inch
Min Soil Temp
70°F
Germination
4–12 days
Days to Maturity
70–90 days
Frost Tolerance
No frost tolerance
Soil pH
6.0–6.8
Difficulty
Moderate
Planting Schedule by Zone
Select your USDA zone below for a detailed guide with tips specific to your region.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest Start | Harvest End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 4 | Apr 19 | Jun 7 | — | Aug 24 | Sep 22 |
| Zone 5 | Apr 9 | May 28 | — | Aug 14 | Oct 2 |
| Zone 6 | Mar 25 | May 13 | — | Jul 30 | Sep 18 |
| Zone 7 | Mar 15 | May 3 | — | Jul 20 | Sep 8 |
| Zone 8 | Feb 27 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 4 | Aug 23 |
| Zone 9 | Feb 7 | Mar 28 | — | Jun 14 | Aug 3 |
| Zone 10 | Jan 20 | Mar 10 | — | May 27 | Jul 16 |
| Zone 11 | Dec 25 | Feb 12 | — | May 1 | Jun 20 |
Recommended for Your Zone
🌱 Watermelon Seeds & Supplies
Find seeds, soil, and tools suited for growing watermelon in your zone.
Shop on Amazon →Companion Planting
Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.
✓ Good Companions
✗ Avoid Nearby
Potato
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.