FrostCal

When to Plant Watermelon in District of Columbia

In a typical District of Columbia location, start seeds indoors Mar 1 – Mar 8, then transplant outdoors Apr 12 – Apr 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 7 in Washington and as late as Apr 23 in Chevy Chase.

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
WashingtonFeb 24 – Mar 3Apr 7 – Apr 14
Downtown DCMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
Columbia HeightsMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
Mount PleasantMar 12 – Mar 19Apr 23 – Apr 30
Central 14th Street / Spring RoadMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
Northwest OneMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
Foggy BottomMar 12 – Mar 19Apr 23 – Apr 30
Mount Vernon TriangleMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
H Street NEMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
Pleasant PlainsMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
NoMaMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
PetworthMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
Capitol RiverfrontFeb 24 – Mar 3Apr 7 – Apr 14
Park ViewMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
Golden TriangleFeb 24 – Mar 3Apr 7 – Apr 14
ShawMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
BrightwoodMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
Adams MorganMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
Kennedy StreetMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
Southwest WaterfrontFeb 24 – Mar 3Apr 7 – Apr 14
Barracks RowMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
Union MarketMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
AnacostiaFeb 24 – Mar 3Apr 7 – Apr 14
Colorado TriangleMar 12 – Mar 19Apr 23 – Apr 30
Brentwood VillageMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
The WharfFeb 24 – Mar 3Apr 7 – Apr 14
Central 14th Street / WMATA Northern Bus BarnMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
Van NessMar 12 – Mar 19Apr 23 – Apr 30
Benning RoadMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
HillcrestMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19

Showing the 30 most populous of 35 District of Columbia cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all District of Columbia cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant watermelon in District of Columbia?

In a typical District of Columbia location, start seeds indoors Mar 1 – Mar 8, then transplant outdoors Apr 12 – Apr 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 7 in Washington and as late as Apr 23 in Chevy Chase.

When is the last frost in District of Columbia?

The average last spring frost in District of Columbia ranges from March 24 in Washington to April 9 in Chevy Chase, 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 District of Columbia

When to plant watermelon in other states

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