When to Plant Watermelon in National Stock Yards, Illinois (62071)
Location
National Stock Yards, Illinois
ZIP Code
62071
USDA Zone
6b
Last Frost
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
📅 Planting Calendar
Start Seeds Indoors Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Transplant Outdoors Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Pro Tip: Start Watermelon seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date for best results.
🌿 Plant Details
Scientific Name Citrullus lanatus
Days to Maturity 80 days
Mature Height 12-24"
Spread 72"
Type Vine
Fruit Size Large (10-30 lbs)
☀️ Growing Requirements
☀️
Sun
Full Sun (8+ hours)
💧
Water
Regular (1-2 inches/week)
↔️
Spacing
72" apart
🌱
Planting Depth
1" deep
Seeds typically germinate in 4-12 days
🤝 Good Companions
CornSunflowerMarigold
⚠️ Avoid Planting Near
Potato
Other Plants for National Stock Yards
Blackberry Blueberry Raspberry Strawberry Basil Chamomile Chives Cilantro Dill Lavender Lemon Balm Marjoram Mint Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Tarragon Thyme Acorn Squash Artichoke Arugula Asparagus Beefsteak Tomato Beet Bell Pepper Bok Choy Broccoli Brussel Sprout Butternut Squash Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrot Cauliflower Cayenne Pepper Celery Cherry Tomato Chili Pepper Collard Green Common Bean Cucumber Eggplant Endive Fennel Garlic Grape Tomato Green Bean Habanero Pepper Head Lettuce Heirloom Tomato Honeydew Melon Jalapeño Pepper Kale Kohlrabi Leaf Lettuce Leek Lima Bean Mustard Okra Onion Parsnip Pea Poblano Pepper Pole Pea Potato Pumpkin Radicchio Radish Rhubarb Roma Tomato Rutabaga Serrano Pepper Shallot Snap Pea Snow Pea Spaghetti Squash Spinach Squash Sweet Corn Sweet Potato Swiss Chard Tomato Turnip Zucchini
Growing Watermelon in Zone 6b
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a popular garden vegetable. In National Stock Yards, Illinois, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, you should start seeds indoors around Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Your average last frost date is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Plan to transplant your Watermelon seedlings outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.