FrostCal

When to Plant Watermelon in Ohio

In a typical Ohio 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 22 in Cleveland and as late as May 22 in Girard.

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
ColumbusMar 23 – Mar 30May 4 – May 11
ClevelandMar 11 – Mar 18Apr 22 – Apr 29
CincinnatiMar 19 – Mar 26Apr 30 – May 7
ToledoMar 23 – Mar 30May 4 – May 11
AkronMar 27 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
DaytonMar 21 – Mar 28May 2 – May 9
ParmaMar 23 – Mar 30May 4 – May 11
CantonMar 27 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
YoungstownApr 3 – Apr 10May 15 – May 22
LorainMar 27 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
HamiltonMar 25 – Apr 1May 6 – May 13
SpringfieldMar 28 – Apr 4May 9 – May 16
KetteringMar 21 – Mar 28May 2 – May 9
ElyriaMar 25 – Apr 1May 6 – May 13
LakewoodMar 23 – Mar 30May 4 – May 11
Cuyahoga FallsApr 2 – Apr 9May 14 – May 21
MiddletownMar 27 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
NewarkApr 1 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20
EuclidMar 11 – Mar 18Apr 22 – Apr 29
MentorMar 29 – Apr 5May 10 – May 17
MansfieldMar 29 – Apr 5May 10 – May 17
BeavercreekMar 21 – Mar 28May 2 – May 9
DublinMar 25 – Apr 1May 6 – May 13
Cleveland HeightsMar 11 – Mar 18Apr 22 – Apr 29
StrongsvilleMar 23 – Mar 30May 4 – May 11
FairfieldMar 22 – Mar 29May 3 – May 10
FindlayMar 25 – Apr 1May 6 – May 13
WarrenApr 10 – Apr 17May 22 – May 29
LancasterMar 25 – Apr 1May 6 – May 13
Grove CityMar 26 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14

Showing the 30 most populous of 203 Ohio cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Ohio cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant watermelon in Ohio?

In a typical Ohio 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 22 in Cleveland and as late as May 22 in Girard.

When is the last frost in Ohio?

The average last spring frost in Ohio ranges from April 8 in Cleveland to May 8 in Girard, 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 Ohio

When to plant watermelon in other states

Related Guides