Arkansas · zones 6b–8a
When to plant watermelon in Arkansas.
Sow between Apr 15 to Jun 1 in a typical year, keyed to Arkansas's median last frost around Mar 25. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Watermelon dates for a typical Arkansas season.
Direct sow
Apr 15 to Jun 1
Keyed to the ~Mar 25 last frost. Sow 1" deep, 36" apart.
Harvest
~85 days later
~20 lb per plant over ~3 weeks.
Arkansas spans more than one climate: Zone 8 is the most common zone, but the state runs 6b to 8a. That's why the planner works from your ZIP code's frost dates, not your zone — mountain and coastal gardens in the same state can be three weeks apart.