When to Plant Watermelon in Zone 9
Citrullus lanatus
Last updated: Apr 25, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative ExtensionZone 9 Planting Schedule
Start Indoors
Feb 7
6–8 weeks before transplant
Transplant Out
Mar 28
After last frost (Feb 28)
First Harvest
Jun 14
70–90 days after planting
Season Ends
Aug 3
Before first frost (Nov 25)
Quick 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
Recommended for Zone 9
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Potato
Watermelon Schedule — All Zones
| 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 |
📚 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.