If you’re a gardener in the Sunshine State, you might be wondering when do you plant watermelon in Florida. Getting the timing right is the single most important factor for a succesful, juicy harvest. This guide will walk you through the optimal windows for different regions and give you the practical steps to grow your best crop yet.
When Do You Plant Watermelon In Florida
Florida’s long growing season is a huge advantage, but it’s split by the intense summer heat. The key is to plant when soil is warm and plants can mature before the wettest, most disease-prone months. There are two main planting periods: a late winter/spring planting and a late summer/fall planting.
Spring Planting Across Florida Regions
For most of the state, spring is the primary planting time. You want seeds or transplants to go in after the last frost date and when soil temperatures are consistently above 70°F. Cold soil will stunt growth or cause seeds to rot.
- North Florida: Plant from early March through April. Wait until any threat of a late frost has completely passed.
- Central Florida: The window is wider here. You can plant from late February through mid-April.
- South Florida: You have the earliest start. Planting can begin as early as January and continue through March.
Fall Planting for a Second Harvest
A fall planting can be very rewarding, allowing you to harvest watermelons into the winter in some areas. The trick is counting backwards from your first expected fall frost date.
- North Florida: Aim to plant by early August. This gives vines enough time to produce before cooler fall nights.
- Central Florida: Plant from early August through early September.
- South Florida: This is where fall planting really shines. You can plant from September through early October, and even later in some years.
Choosing the Right Variety for Florida
Not all watermelons are created equal for Florida’s climate. You’ll want varieties with good disease resistance, especially to fusarium wilt and anthracnose, which are common here.
- Disease-Resistant Choices: Look for varieties like ‘Sugar Baby’ (icebox type), ‘Crimson Sweet’, ‘Charleston Gray’, or ‘Jubilee’. Many seed catalogs will note Florida-adapted types.
- Seedless vs. Seeded: Seedless watermelons require a pollinator variety planted nearby. They also often need more precise care. For beginners, a reliable seeded variety is often the easiest path to success.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps to get your watermelon patch off to a strong start.
1. Site and Soil Preparation
Watermelons need full sun—at least 8 hours of direct light. They prefer sandy, well-draining soil that warms up quickly. If you have heavy clay soil, you’ll need to amend it.
- Test your soil pH. Watermelons like a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
- Add several inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
- Create raised mounds or rows. This improves drainage and warms the soil faster. Space mounds about 6 feet apart.
2. Planting Seeds vs. Transplants
You can direct-sow seeds or start with transplants. Direct sowing is simpler, but transplants give you a head start, especially for the fall crop.
- Direct Seeding: Plant seeds 1 inch deep in the mound. Place 4-6 seeds per mound, later thinning to the 2-3 strongest seedlings.
- Using Transplants: Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before your planting date. Be extreamly careful when transplanting, as watermelon roots are sensitive to disturbance. Harden off plants before putting them in the ground.
3. Spacing for Success
Watermelon vines need room to run. Crowding leads to poor air circulation and disease. For most vining varieties, allow a 6-foot diameter circle for each hill. If you’re planting in rows, space rows 6-8 feet apart with plants 3-4 feet apart in the row.
Caring for Your Watermelon Plants
Consistent care through the season is what turns flowers into big, sweet fruit.
Watering and Fertilizing
Watermelons have deep roots but need consistent moisture, especially during fruit set and growth. Water at the base of the plant, not the leaves, to prevent disease. Reduce watering as fruit ripen for better sweetness.
Use a balanced fertilizer at planting. Then, switch to a lower-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus and potassium fertilizer when vines start to run. To much nitrogen will give you lots of leaves but little fruit.
Weeding and Mulching
Keep the area weed-free, especially when plants are young. A thick layer of organic mulch (like pine straw or wheat straw) is a game-changer. It suppresses weeds, conserves moisture, and keeps the developing fruit clean and off the damp soil.
Pest and Disease Watch
Common pests include aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash vine borers. Diseases to watch for are powdery mildew and the wilts mentioned earlier. The best defense is choosing resistant varieties, proper spacing, and avoiding overhead watering. Rotate where you plant melons each year.
Knowing When to Harvest
This is the most exciting part. Here’s how to tell if your watermelon is ripe:
- The curly tendril closest to the fruit stem turns brown and dry.
- The spot where the fruit touches the ground changes from white to a creamy yellow.
- The rind loses its glossy shine and becomes dull.
- It makes a hollow, dull thump when you tap it (this takes practice).
Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a small stem attached. Once picked, they don’t get any sweeter, so timing is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
What month is best to plant watermelon?
In North/Central Florida, March is ideal for spring. In South Florida, February is perfect. For a fall crop, August is best for North/Central, and September for South.
Can you grow watermelon in Florida year-round?
Not really. The peak summer heat, humidity, and heavy rains make growing very difficult due to intense pest and disease pressure. Stick to the spring and fall windows.
How long does it take for watermelons to grow?
Most varieties need 80-100 days from planting to harvest. Check the “days to maturity” on your seed packet. Smaller icebox types can be ready in as little as 70 days.
What should I avoid planting near watermelons?
Avoid planting them near other cucurbits, like cucumbers or squash, as they can cross-pollinate (affecting saved seeds) and share pests. Potatoes can also interfere with there growth.
By following these regional timing guides and care tips, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting sweet, homegrown watermelons that thrive in Florida’s unique climate. Remember, warm soil and good timing are your best tools for a bumper crop.