Texas · zones 7a–10a
When to plant watermelon in Texas.
Sow between Apr 2 to May 19 in a typical year, keyed to Texas's median last frost around Mar 12. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Watermelon dates for a typical Texas season.
Direct sow
Apr 2 to May 19
Keyed to the ~Mar 12 last frost. Sow 1" deep, 36" apart.
Harvest
~85 days later
~20 lb per plant over ~3 weeks.
Texas spans more than one climate: Zone 8 is the most common zone, but the state runs 7a to 10a. 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 Texas: watch for
The pests that find watermelon here.
With about 255 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: Texas gives watermelon about 255 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 Texas: questions
When should I plant watermelon in Texas?+
In a typical Texas year, sow watermelon between Apr 2 to May 19, keyed to the state's median last frost around Mar 12. Your exact dates shift with your ZIP code and microclimate.
What USDA zone is Texas?+
Texas spans zones 7a–10a, mostly zone 8. 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.