When to Plant Watermelon in Alaska
In a typical Alaska location, start seeds indoors Apr 18 – Apr 25, then transplant outdoors May 30 – Jun 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 18 in Ketchikan and as late as Jun 25 in Kalifornsky.
Needs warm soil (65F+); start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks after last frost.
Watermelon Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | Apr 3 – Apr 10 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Fairbanks | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | May 30 – Jun 6 |
| Juneau | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | May 4 – May 11 |
| Eagle River | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Badger | Apr 24 – May 1 | Jun 5 – Jun 12 |
| Knik-Fairview | Apr 20 – Apr 27 | Jun 1 – Jun 8 |
| College | Apr 20 – Apr 27 | Jun 1 – Jun 8 |
| Wasilla | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | May 30 – Jun 6 |
| Sitka | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Lakes | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | May 30 – Jun 6 |
| Ketchikan | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Tanaina | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | May 30 – Jun 6 |
| Kalifornsky | May 14 – May 21 | Jun 25 – Jul 2 |
| Kenai | Apr 26 – May 3 | Jun 7 – Jun 14 |
| Meadow Lakes | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | May 30 – Jun 6 |
| Palmer | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – May 27 |
| Elmendorf Air Force Base | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Bethel | Apr 23 – Apr 30 | Jun 4 – Jun 11 |
| Kodiak | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 20 |
| Sterling | Apr 22 – Apr 29 | Jun 3 – Jun 10 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Alaska cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Alaska cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant watermelon in Alaska?
In a typical Alaska location, start seeds indoors Apr 18 – Apr 25, then transplant outdoors May 30 – Jun 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 18 in Ketchikan and as late as Jun 25 in Kalifornsky.
When is the last frost in Alaska?
The average last spring frost in Alaska ranges from April 4 in Ketchikan to June 11 in Kalifornsky, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do watermelon take to grow?
Watermelon typically take 70–90 days from planting to harvest. Needs warm soil (65F+); start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks after last frost.
Other Crops in Alaska
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant watermelon in other states