FrostCal

When to Plant Watermelon in Michigan

In a typical Michigan location, start seeds indoors Apr 2 – Apr 9, then transplant outdoors May 14 – May 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 3 in Port Huron and as late as Jun 2 in Cadillac.

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
DetroitMar 24 – Mar 31May 5 – May 12
Grand RapidsApr 8 – Apr 15May 20 – May 27
WarrenMar 24 – Mar 31May 5 – May 12
Sterling HeightsApr 2 – Apr 9May 14 – May 21
Ann ArborApr 7 – Apr 14May 19 – May 26
LansingApr 3 – Apr 10May 15 – May 22
Clinton TownshipApr 2 – Apr 9May 14 – May 21
FlintApr 8 – Apr 15May 20 – May 27
DearbornMar 30 – Apr 6May 11 – May 18
LivoniaApr 3 – Apr 10May 15 – May 22
CantonMar 27 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
TroyMar 29 – Apr 5May 10 – May 17
WestlandMar 23 – Mar 30May 4 – May 11
Farmington HillsApr 3 – Apr 10May 15 – May 22
KalamazooMar 31 – Apr 7May 12 – May 19
WaterfordApr 1 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20
WyomingApr 8 – Apr 15May 20 – May 27
ShelbyMar 29 – Apr 5May 10 – May 17
Rochester HillsMar 29 – Apr 5May 10 – May 17
SouthfieldApr 3 – Apr 10May 15 – May 22
West Bloomfield TownshipApr 1 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20
TaylorMar 23 – Mar 30May 4 – May 11
PontiacMar 29 – Apr 5May 10 – May 17
Saint Clair ShoresApr 1 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20
Royal OakMar 24 – Mar 31May 5 – May 12
NoviApr 3 – Apr 10May 15 – May 22
Dearborn HeightsApr 3 – Apr 10May 15 – May 22
Battle CreekApr 2 – Apr 9May 14 – May 21
KentwoodApr 8 – Apr 15May 20 – May 27
RedfordApr 3 – Apr 10May 15 – May 22

Showing the 30 most populous of 120 Michigan cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Michigan cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant watermelon in Michigan?

In a typical Michigan location, start seeds indoors Apr 2 – Apr 9, then transplant outdoors May 14 – May 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 3 in Port Huron and as late as Jun 2 in Cadillac.

When is the last frost in Michigan?

The average last spring frost in Michigan ranges from April 19 in Port Huron to May 19 in Cadillac, 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 Michigan

When to plant watermelon in other states

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