When to plant watermelon in zone 7b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 7B

Growing SeasonZone 7b

Last frost ~Apr 5First frost ~Nov 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

FEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Start indoors Mar 8 · Transplant Apr 19 · First harvest Jun 28 · Wrap by Jul 19

Last spring frostApr 5

Start seeds indoorsMar 8

Transplant outApr 19

First harvestJun 28

Last harvestJul 19

First fall frostNov 1

Why these dates work in zone 7b

Zone 7b's last spring frost averages Apr 5 and first fall frost Nov 1 — about 210 frost-free days. Watermelon is frost-sensitive, so the 2w after frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost. Starting seeds indoors 4 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does watermelon take to grow in zone 7b?

Watermelon matures in about 70–90 days from transplanting. In zone 7b that means setting plants out around Apr 19 and first picking around Jun 28.

Will watermelon survive frost in zone 7b?

No — watermelon is frost-sensitive. In zone 7b, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 5) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 1).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full watermelon growing guide →