When to Plant Watermelon in North Dakota
In a typical North Dakota location, start seeds indoors Apr 12 – Apr 19, then transplant outdoors May 24 – May 31. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 18 in Wahpeton and as late as Jun 4 in Beulah.
Needs warm soil (65F+); start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks after last frost.
Watermelon Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Fargo | Apr 7 – Apr 14 | May 19 – May 26 |
| Bismarck | Apr 12 – Apr 19 | May 24 – May 31 |
| Grand Forks | Apr 12 – Apr 19 | May 24 – May 31 |
| Minot | Apr 12 – Apr 19 | May 24 – May 31 |
| West Fargo | Apr 12 – Apr 19 | May 24 – May 31 |
| Williston | Apr 23 – Apr 30 | Jun 4 – Jun 11 |
| Dickinson | Apr 22 – Apr 29 | Jun 3 – Jun 10 |
| Mandan | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | May 27 – Jun 3 |
| Jamestown | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 22 – May 29 |
| Wahpeton | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 18 – May 25 |
| Devils Lake | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – May 27 |
| Watford City | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Valley City | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | May 27 – Jun 3 |
| Minot Air Force Base | Apr 13 – Apr 20 | May 25 – Jun 1 |
| Grafton | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 18 – May 25 |
| Lincoln | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 4 |
| Beulah | Apr 23 – Apr 30 | Jun 4 – Jun 11 |
| Rugby | Apr 19 – Apr 26 | May 31 – Jun 7 |
| Stanley | Apr 19 – Apr 26 | May 31 – Jun 7 |
| Horace | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 18 – May 25 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 North Dakota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all North Dakota cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant watermelon in North Dakota?
In a typical North Dakota location, start seeds indoors Apr 12 – Apr 19, then transplant outdoors May 24 – May 31. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 18 in Wahpeton and as late as Jun 4 in Beulah.
When is the last frost in North Dakota?
The average last spring frost in North Dakota ranges from May 4 in Wahpeton to May 21 in Beulah, 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 North Dakota
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant watermelon in other states