When to Plant Watermelon in Florida
Start Seeds Indoors
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Transplant outdoors: Thursday, January 15, 2026
State
Florida
USDA Zones
8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
Avg Last Frost
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Cities Covered
520
Florida Planting Schedule by Zone
Florida spans 7 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Start Indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8b | Sunday, March 15, 2026 | Sunday, February 15, 2026 | Sunday, March 29, 2026 |
| 9a | Friday, February 20, 2026 | Friday, January 23, 2026 | Friday, March 6, 2026 |
| 9b | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | Tuesday, February 24, 2026 |
| 10a | Sunday, January 25, 2026 | Sunday, December 28, 2025 | Sunday, February 8, 2026 |
| 10b | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | Thursday, December 18, 2025 | Thursday, January 29, 2026 |
| 11a | Thursday, January 1, 2026 | Thursday, December 4, 2025 | Thursday, January 15, 2026 |
| 11b | Thursday, January 1, 2026 | Thursday, December 4, 2025 | Thursday, January 15, 2026 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
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Growing Watermelon in Florida: Complete Guide
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a warm-season crop that needs a head start indoors before Florida's last frost. Most Florida gardeners begin seeds indoors around Thursday, December 4, 2025 and move transplants outside around Thursday, January 15, 2026, after the risk of frost has passed.
Because Florida stretches across 7 USDA hardiness zones (8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b), planting windows can shift by as much as six to eight weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.
With 80 days to maturity, Watermelon needs the indoor head start that Florida's growing season requires. Starting indoors ensures you have strong transplants ready the moment outdoor conditions are right.
Watermelon requires full sun (8+ hours) and regular (1-2 inches/week) moisture. Most of Florida receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.
For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Florida.
Growing Watermelon in Florida: Local Tips
Climate-specific advice for Florida gardeners.
Plant transplants in late April
In Zones 7–9, transplant watermelons in late April–May; they'll have 90–100 warm days ahead of them and ripen in late July–August at peak sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Watermelon in Florida?
In Florida, start Watermelon seeds indoors around Thursday, December 4, 2025 and transplant outdoors around Thursday, January 15, 2026 after your last frost. Florida spans zones 8b–11b, so dates shift by 1–4 weeks depending on where you live.
What is the last frost date in Florida?
Florida spans 7 USDA zones (8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b), so last frost dates vary by region. Day, Tallahassee, Argyle (8b) sees frost until around Sunday, March 15, 2026, while Long Key, Islamorada, Key West (11b) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Watermelon take to grow in Florida?
Watermelon takes about 80 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. Starting seeds indoors in Florida gives you a head start so plants are ready to go out after the last frost.
What USDA zones does Florida cover for Watermelon?
Florida includes zones 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b. Watermelon grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
Find Precise Dates for Your City
Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.