Florida · zones 8b–11a
When to plant watermelon in Florida.
Sow between Feb 24 to Apr 12 in a typical year, keyed to Florida's median last frost around Feb 3. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Watermelon dates for a typical Florida season.
Direct sow
Feb 24 to Apr 12
Keyed to the ~Feb 3 last frost. Sow 1" deep, 36" apart.
Harvest
~85 days later
~20 lb per plant over ~3 weeks.
Florida spans more than one climate: Zone 9 is the most common zone, but the state runs 8b to 11a. 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.