FrostCal

When to Plant Watermelon in Minnesota

In a typical Minnesota 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 5 in Winona and as late as Jun 19 in Hibbing.

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
MinneapolisMar 26 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
Saint PaulMar 27 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
RochesterApr 2 – Apr 9May 14 – May 21
BloomingtonMar 26 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
DuluthApr 16 – Apr 23May 28 – Jun 4
Brooklyn ParkApr 2 – Apr 9May 14 – May 21
PlymouthApr 1 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20
Maple GroveApr 2 – Apr 9May 14 – May 21
WoodburyMar 29 – Apr 5May 10 – May 17
EaganMar 26 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
Saint CloudApr 9 – Apr 16May 21 – May 28
Eden PrairieMar 26 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
West Coon RapidsApr 2 – Apr 9May 14 – May 21
Coon RapidsApr 2 – Apr 9May 14 – May 21
BlaineApr 7 – Apr 14May 19 – May 26
BurnsvilleMar 26 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
LakevilleMar 30 – Apr 6May 11 – May 18
MinnetonkaApr 2 – Apr 9May 14 – May 21
Apple ValleyMar 30 – Apr 6May 11 – May 18
EdinaMar 26 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
Minnetonka MillsApr 1 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20
Saint Louis ParkApr 1 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20
MoorheadApr 7 – Apr 14May 19 – May 26
MankatoApr 2 – Apr 9May 14 – May 21
MaplewoodMar 29 – Apr 5May 10 – May 17
ShakopeeMar 26 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
RichfieldMar 26 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
Cottage GroveMar 26 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
RosevilleMar 31 – Apr 7May 12 – May 19
Inver Grove HeightsMar 27 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15

Showing the 30 most populous of 104 Minnesota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Minnesota cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant watermelon in Minnesota?

In a typical Minnesota 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 5 in Winona and as late as Jun 19 in Hibbing.

When is the last frost in Minnesota?

The average last spring frost in Minnesota ranges from April 21 in Winona to June 5 in Hibbing, 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 Minnesota

When to plant watermelon in other states

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