Washington DC · zones 7b–7b
When to plant watermelon in Washington DC.
Sow between Apr 26 to Jun 12 in a typical year, keyed to Washington DC's median last frost around Apr 5. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Watermelon dates for a typical Washington DC season.
Direct sow
Apr 26 to Jun 12
Keyed to the ~Apr 5 last frost. Sow 1" deep, 36" apart.
Harvest
~85 days later
~20 lb per plant over ~3 weeks.
Washington DC spans more than one climate: Zone 7 is the most common zone, but the state runs 7b to 7b. 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.