California · zones 7a–10b
When to plant watermelon in California.
Sow between Feb 4 to Mar 23 in a typical year, keyed to California's median last frost around Jan 14. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Watermelon dates for a typical California season.
Direct sow
Feb 4 to Mar 23
Keyed to the ~Jan 14 last frost. Sow 1" deep, 36" apart.
Harvest
~85 days later
~20 lb per plant over ~3 weeks.
California spans more than one climate: Zone 10 is the most common zone, but the state runs 7a to 10b. 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.