FrostCal

When to Plant Watermelon in Indiana

In a typical Indiana location, start seeds indoors Mar 25 – Apr 1, then transplant outdoors May 6 – May 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 12 in Evansville and as late as May 16 in Auburn.

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
IndianapolisMar 23 – Mar 30May 4 – May 11
Fort WayneMar 27 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
EvansvilleMar 1 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
South BendMar 26 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
CarmelMar 24 – Mar 31May 5 – May 12
BloomingtonMar 18 – Mar 25Apr 29 – May 6
HammondMar 26 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
GaryMar 25 – Apr 1May 6 – May 13
FishersMar 24 – Mar 31May 5 – May 12
LafayetteMar 29 – Apr 5May 10 – May 17
MuncieMar 19 – Mar 26Apr 30 – May 7
Terre HauteMar 18 – Mar 25Apr 29 – May 6
NoblesvilleMar 24 – Mar 31May 5 – May 12
KokomoMar 30 – Apr 6May 11 – May 18
GreenwoodMar 23 – Mar 30May 4 – May 11
AndersonMar 22 – Mar 29May 3 – May 10
ElkhartMar 29 – Apr 5May 10 – May 17
MishawakaMar 26 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
LawrenceMar 21 – Mar 28May 2 – May 9
JeffersonvilleMar 3 – Mar 10Apr 14 – Apr 21
ColumbusMar 14 – Mar 21Apr 25 – May 2
West LafayetteMar 29 – Apr 5May 10 – May 17
PortageMar 25 – Apr 1May 6 – May 13
WestfieldMar 24 – Mar 31May 5 – May 12
New AlbanyMar 3 – Mar 10Apr 14 – Apr 21
RichmondMar 27 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
MerrillvilleMar 25 – Apr 1May 6 – May 13
GoshenMar 29 – Apr 5May 10 – May 17
ValparaisoMar 25 – Apr 1May 6 – May 13
Michigan CityMar 22 – Mar 29May 3 – May 10

Showing the 30 most populous of 88 Indiana cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Indiana cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant watermelon in Indiana?

In a typical Indiana location, start seeds indoors Mar 25 – Apr 1, then transplant outdoors May 6 – May 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 12 in Evansville and as late as May 16 in Auburn.

When is the last frost in Indiana?

The average last spring frost in Indiana ranges from March 29 in Evansville to May 2 in Auburn, 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 Indiana

When to plant watermelon in other states

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