Rhode Island · zones 6b–7a
When to plant watermelon in Rhode Island.
Sow between May 1 to Jun 17 in a typical year, keyed to Rhode Island's median last frost around Apr 10. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Watermelon dates for a typical Rhode Island season.
Direct sow
May 1 to Jun 17
Keyed to the ~Apr 10 last frost. Sow 1" deep, 36" apart.
Harvest
~85 days later
~20 lb per plant over ~3 weeks.
Rhode Island spans more than one climate: Zone 6 is the most common zone, but the state runs 6b to 7a. 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.