When to plant watermelon in zone 8b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8B

Growing SeasonZone 8b

Last frost ~Mar 15First frost ~Nov 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

FEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Start indoors Feb 15 · Transplant Mar 29 · First harvest Jun 7 · Wrap by Jun 28

Last spring frostMar 15

Start seeds indoorsFeb 15

Transplant outMar 29

First harvestJun 7

Last harvestJun 28

First fall frostNov 15

Why these dates work in zone 8b

Zone 8b's last spring frost averages Mar 15 and first fall frost Nov 15 — about 245 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 8b?

Watermelon matures in about 70–90 days from transplanting. In zone 8b that means setting plants out around Mar 29 and first picking around Jun 7.

Will watermelon survive frost in zone 8b?

No — watermelon is frost-sensitive. In zone 8b, wait until after the last frost (around Mar 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 15).

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