When To Plant Watermelon In Georgia

If you’re planning to grow watermelon in Georgia, getting the timing right is your first and most important step. Knowing exactly when to plant watermelon in Georgia makes the difference between a bumper crop and disappointing vines. Our warm climate is perfect for these summer favorites, but our last spring frost date is the key to success.

Planting too early risks losing your seedlings to a late chill. Planting to late means your fruit might not mature before the first fall frost. This guide will walk you through the optimal schedule for every region of the state, from the mountains to the coast.

For most of Georgia, the safe window for planting watermelon seeds or transplants outdoors is from late March through mid-June. The exact date hinges on your local last spring frost and, crucially, when the soil has warmed up sufficiently.

Watermelons need warm soil to germinate and thrive. A good rule is to wait until at least two weeks after your area’s average last frost date. The soil temperature should be a consistent 70°F or higher. You can measure this with a simple soil thermometer.

Georgia’s Regional Planting Calendar

Georgia’s diverse geography means planting times vary. Here’s a breakdown by region:

North Georgia (Mountain & Upper Piedmont): Wait until late April to mid-May. Frost danger persists longer here, so patience is essential. The soil takes more time to warm up in the spring.
Middle & South Georgia (Piedmont & Coastal Plain): This is prime watermelon country. Aim for early April to early June. You often have a longer growing season, allowing for successive plantings.
Coastal Georgia: You can start as early as late March, thanks to milder winters and earlier soil warmth. Just be mindful of soil drainage in sandy areas.

Starting Seeds Indoors vs. Direct Sowing

You have two main options for getting your watermelon plants started. Each has it’s advantages.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Begin seeds indoors about 3-4 weeks before your target outdoor planting date. Use biodegradable peat or cow pots to minimize root disturbance, as watermelon seedlings don’t like their roots being messed with during transplant.

Pros: Gives you a head start, especially in shorter-season areas. Protects young plants from unpredictable early-spring weather.
Cons: Requires extra equipment and care. Transplant shock is a risk if not done carefully.

Direct Sowing in the Garden

This is the simplest method and is highly recommended for beginners. Plant seeds directly into your prepared garden bed once all danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm.

Pros: Less work, no transplant shock. Roots develop naturally without disruption.
Cons: You are at the mercy of late frosts and cool, wet soil which can cause seeds to rot.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps for a strong start:

Choose the Right Variety: Pick varieties suited for Georgia’s heat. Popular choices include ‘Crimson Sweet’, ‘Charleston Gray’, ‘Sugar Baby’ (icebox type), and ‘Jubilee’.
Prepare the Soil: Watermelons demand well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Work in several inches of compost or aged manure to improve fertility and drainage. They are heavy feeders.
Create Hills or Rows: Form soil into small hills about 6-8 inches high and 3 feet apart. This improves drainage and warms the soil faster. If planting in rows, space them 6-8 feet apart.
Plant the Seeds: Plant 4-6 seeds per hill, about 1 inch deep. Once seedlings emerge and develop their first true leaves, thin to the 2-3 strongest plants per hill. For transplants, gently set them in the hill at the same depth they were growing in their pot.
Water and Mulch: Water thoroughly after planting. Apply a layer of organic mulch, like straw or pine bark, to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil warm.

Caring for Your Watermelon Vines

Consistent care through the season ensures healthy vines and sweet fruit.

Watering and Feeding

Watermelons need deep, consistent watering, especially during fruit set and growth. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week. Reduce watering as the fruit matures to concentrate sugars and improve flavor.

Fertilize at planting with a balanced fertilizer. Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when vines begin to run, and again when fruit first appears. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen later, as it encourages vine growth over fruit production.

Pest and Disease Management

Common issues in Georgia include:

Aphids & Cucumber Beetles: Use row covers early in the season or apply insecticidal soap. Cucumber beetles can also spread bacterial wilt.
Powdery Mildew & Downy Mildew: These fungal diseases thrive in humidity. Choose resistant varieties, ensure good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides may be necessary in wet years.
Blossom End Rot: Caused by calcium deficiency and irregular watering. Maintain consistent soil moisture to prevent it.

Knowing When to Harvest

Harvest typically comes 80-90 days after planting for most varieties. Here’s how to tell if your watermelon is ripe:

The curly tendril closest to the fruit stem turns brown and dries up.
The spot where the melon rests on the ground changes from white to a creamy yellow.
The rind loses its glossy shine and becomes dull.
It sounds like a deep, hollow thump when you tap it with your knuckles (this takes practice).

Use a sharp knife to cut the stem, leaving about an inch attached to the fruit. They don’t continue to ripen off the vine, so timing is key.

FAQ: Growing Watermelon in Georgia

What is the latest I can plant watermelon in Georgia?
For most areas, aim to have seeds in the ground by mid-June to early July at the very latest. This gives the fruit enough time to mature before cooler fall temperatures arrive, which can halt growth.

Can I plant watermelon in July in Georgia?
July is generally to late for a successful main crop from seed. However, in South Georgia, you might try a fast-maturing “icebox” variety like ‘Sugar Baby’ by early July, but it’s risky. Your better off preparing for a fall crop by planting in late summer.

How long does it take for watermelons to grow?
It depends on the variety. Smaller icebox types can mature in 70-80 days. Larger picnic varieties like ‘Jubilee’ or ‘Charleston Gray’ often need 85-100 days of warm weather from planting to harvest.

What should I plant next to watermelon?
Good companions include corn, which can provide light shade, and marigolds or nasturtiums to deter pests. Avoid planting them near potatoes, as they can compete for resources.

Why are my watermelon vines flowering but not producing fruit?
This is common. First, identify if the flowers are male (on a thin stem) or female (with a tiny fruit at the base). You need both, and pollinators like bees to transfer pollen. Lack of bees, excessive rain, or high heat can hinder pollination. You can try hand-pollinating with a small brush if needed.

By following this Georgia-specific timing and care advice, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting your own sweet, homegrown watermelons. Just remember, warm soil and plenty of sun are your best allies from the start.