When to Plant Watermelon in South Dakota
In a typical South Dakota location, start seeds indoors Apr 8 – Apr 15, then transplant outdoors May 20 – May 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 10 in Tea and as late as May 26 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | Apr 3 – Apr 10 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Rapid City | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Aberdeen | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 22 – May 29 |
| Brookings | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – May 27 |
| Watertown | Apr 9 – Apr 16 | May 21 – May 28 |
| Mitchell | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Yankton | Mar 30 – Apr 6 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Pierre | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – May 27 |
| Huron | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – May 27 |
| Spearfish | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | May 26 – Jun 2 |
| Vermillion | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Brandon | Apr 3 – Apr 10 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Box Elder | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | May 26 – Jun 2 |
| Rapid Valley | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Ellsworth Air Force Base | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | May 26 – Jun 2 |
| Madison | Apr 7 – Apr 14 | May 19 – May 26 |
| Sturgis | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 22 – May 29 |
| Belle Fourche | Apr 12 – Apr 19 | May 24 – May 31 |
| Harrisburg | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Tea | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 10 – May 17 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 South Dakota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all South Dakota cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant watermelon in South Dakota?
In a typical South Dakota location, start seeds indoors Apr 8 – Apr 15, then transplant outdoors May 20 – May 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 10 in Tea and as late as May 26 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.
When is the last frost in South Dakota?
The average last spring frost in South Dakota ranges from April 26 in Tea to May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base, 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 South 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