Growing watermelon in zone 5a

In USDA zone 5a, the typical last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 5. Here is when to plant watermelon against those dates.

Transplant outdoorsMay 3 to May 17

Direct sow outdoorsMay 3 to May 17

Expected harvestJuly 27 to August 15About 85 to 90 days from transplanting.

These are zone 5a averages

Computed from 2,383 ZIP codes in zone 5a. Your town's frost dates vary; enter your ZIP for dates built on your nearest weather station.

Get my exact dates

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, 2023. USDA Agricultural Research Service / Oregon State University PRISM Group. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Planting windows for watermelon from Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center. Zone dates are medians; local conditions vary.