FrostCal

When to Plant Watermelon in Arkansas

In a typical Arkansas location, start seeds indoors Feb 25 – Mar 4, then transplant outdoors Apr 8 – Apr 15. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 27 in Texarkana and as late as Apr 26 in Centerton.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 70–90 days

Needs warm soil (65F+); start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks after last frost.

Watermelon Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
Little RockFeb 21 – Feb 28Apr 4 – Apr 11
Fort SmithFeb 25 – Mar 4Apr 8 – Apr 15
FayettevilleMar 7 – Mar 14Apr 18 – Apr 25
SpringdaleMar 7 – Mar 14Apr 18 – Apr 25
JonesboroMar 4 – Mar 11Apr 15 – Apr 22
North Little RockFeb 21 – Feb 28Apr 4 – Apr 11
ConwayMar 5 – Mar 12Apr 16 – Apr 23
RogersMar 15 – Mar 22Apr 26 – May 3
Pine BluffFeb 14 – Feb 21Mar 28 – Apr 4
BentonvilleMar 15 – Mar 22Apr 26 – May 3
Hot SpringsFeb 19 – Feb 26Apr 2 – Apr 9
BentonFeb 24 – Mar 3Apr 7 – Apr 14
SherwoodFeb 16 – Feb 23Mar 30 – Apr 6
TexarkanaFeb 13 – Feb 20Mar 27 – Apr 3
RussellvilleMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
JacksonvilleFeb 16 – Feb 23Mar 30 – Apr 6
Bella VistaMar 8 – Mar 15Apr 19 – Apr 26
ParagouldFeb 26 – Mar 5Apr 9 – Apr 16
CabotMar 7 – Mar 14Apr 18 – Apr 25
West MemphisFeb 19 – Feb 26Apr 2 – Apr 9
SearcyFeb 27 – Mar 6Apr 10 – Apr 17
Van BurenFeb 25 – Mar 4Apr 8 – Apr 15
BryantFeb 24 – Mar 3Apr 7 – Apr 14
El DoradoFeb 24 – Mar 3Apr 7 – Apr 14
MaumelleMar 4 – Mar 11Apr 15 – Apr 22
Siloam SpringsMar 3 – Mar 10Apr 14 – Apr 21
BlythevilleFeb 18 – Feb 25Apr 1 – Apr 8
Forrest CityFeb 23 – Mar 2Apr 6 – Apr 13
HarrisonFeb 22 – Mar 1Apr 5 – Apr 12
Hot Springs VillageFeb 19 – Feb 26Apr 2 – Apr 9

Showing the 30 most populous of 43 Arkansas cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Arkansas cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant watermelon in Arkansas?

In a typical Arkansas location, start seeds indoors Feb 25 – Mar 4, then transplant outdoors Apr 8 – Apr 15. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 27 in Texarkana and as late as Apr 26 in Centerton.

When is the last frost in Arkansas?

The average last spring frost in Arkansas ranges from March 13 in Texarkana to April 12 in Centerton, 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 Arkansas

When to plant watermelon in other states

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