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.
In Florida: watch for
The pests that find watermelon here.
With about 315 frost-free days, watermelon spends longer in the ground here than in most of the country, which widens the window in which cucumber beetles can find it. Scout weekly from midseason and act on the first signs.
Striped or spotted beetles chewing leaves, blossoms and rinds.
Organic fix: Row cover until the first female flowers open, then hand-pick in the morning.
Clusters on the growing tips; sticky film on the leaves below.
Organic fix: Hose them off, or use insecticidal soap.
Anthracnose & gummy stem blight
Dark sunken spots on leaves and fruit after a humid stretch.
Organic fix: Rotate away from cucurbits, keep foliage dry, remove infected vines.
Your season math: Florida gives watermelon about 315 frost-free days, and it needs roughly 85 days to a first harvest. It's a one-planting crop, so time that single sowing well.
Planting watermelon in Florida: questions
When should I plant watermelon in Florida?+
In a typical Florida year, sow watermelon between Feb 24 to Apr 12, keyed to the state's median last frost around Feb 3. Your exact dates shift with your ZIP code and microclimate.
What USDA zone is Florida?+
Florida spans zones 8b–11a, mostly zone 9. But frost dates, not zones, set planting time. The free planner uses your ZIP code's actual frost dates.
How many watermelon plants do I need?+
Depends who you're feeding. The crop page has exact counts per household size, or the free planner does the math for your family in about 60 seconds.