FrostCal

When to Plant Watermelon in Florida

In a typical Florida location, start seeds indoors Dec 28 – Jan 4, then transplant outdoors Feb 8 – Feb 15. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 29 in Sarasota and as late as Apr 4 in Crestview. 103 cities in Florida are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

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
JacksonvilleJan 4 – Jan 11Feb 15 – Feb 22
MiamiFrost-free: year-round planting
TampaDec 23 – Dec 30Feb 3 – Feb 10
OrlandoDec 20 – Dec 27Jan 31 – Feb 7
St. PetersburgDec 20 – Dec 27Jan 31 – Feb 7
HialeahFrost-free: year-round planting
TallahasseeFeb 11 – Feb 18Mar 25 – Apr 1
Fort LauderdaleFrost-free: year-round planting
Cape CoralDec 19 – Dec 26Jan 30 – Feb 6
Pembroke PinesFrost-free: year-round planting
Port Saint LucieFrost-free: year-round planting
HollywoodFrost-free: year-round planting
GainesvilleFeb 3 – Feb 10Mar 17 – Mar 24
MiramarFrost-free: year-round planting
Coral SpringsFrost-free: year-round planting
West Palm BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
Palm BayDec 19 – Dec 26Jan 30 – Feb 6
ClearwaterDec 20 – Dec 27Jan 31 – Feb 7
Miami GardensFrost-free: year-round planting
Pompano BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
LakelandDec 29 – Jan 5Feb 9 – Feb 16
BrandonJan 2 – Jan 9Feb 13 – Feb 20
DavieFrost-free: year-round planting
Spring HillJan 8 – Jan 15Feb 19 – Feb 26
Boca RatonFrost-free: year-round planting
PlantationFrost-free: year-round planting
Miami BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
DeltonaDec 29 – Jan 5Feb 9 – Feb 16
Lehigh AcresDec 20 – Dec 27Jan 31 – Feb 7
MelbourneDec 23 – Dec 30Feb 3 – Feb 10

Showing the 30 most populous of 351 Florida cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Florida cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant watermelon in Florida?

In a typical Florida location, start seeds indoors Dec 28 – Jan 4, then transplant outdoors Feb 8 – Feb 15. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 29 in Sarasota and as late as Apr 4 in Crestview. 103 cities in Florida are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in Florida?

The average last spring frost in Florida ranges from January 15 in Sarasota to March 21 in Crestview, 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 Florida

When to plant watermelon in other states

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