When To Plant Watermelon Seeds In Texas

If you’re planning to grow watermelons in Texas, timing is everything. Knowing exactly when to plant watermelon seeds in Texas is the first step to a succesful harvest. The state’s vast size means climate varies greatly, so getting your planting dates right depends heavily on where you live. This guide will walk you through the optimal windows for each region and give you the tips you need for a bumper crop of sweet, juicy melons.

This is your core planting rule. For most of Texas, the optimal time to plant watermelon seeds is after the last spring frost when soil temperatures have reliably warmed. Watermelons are a warm-season crop that need heat to germinate and grow. Planting too early in cold, wet soil will lead to poor germination or stunted seedlings. Planting to late can expose developing fruit to the intense peak summer heat, which can cause problems.

Texas Planting Dates by Region

Because Texas spans several USDA hardiness zones, your specific location dictates your schedule. Here’s a regional breakdown to help you plan.

Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Hill Country): Aim to plant seeds directly in the garden from mid-March to early April. The soil is usually warm enough by then, and the risk of a late frost is low.
North Texas (Dallas, Fort Worth): Wait a little longer. The safe window here is typically from early April to mid-April. Always check your local frost dates, as a surprise cold snap can occure.
East Texas (Tyler, Longview): Similar to North Texas, target early to mid-April for direct seeding. The humid climate here is great for growth but watch for fungal diseases.
South Texas & The Valley (San Antonio south to Brownsville): You have the longest growing season. You can often plant as early as late February or March. A second planting in late summer for a fall harvest is also possible here.
West Texas & Panhandle (Lubbock, Amarillo): This region has a shorter season and cooler springs. Wait until late April or even early May to ensure the soil is thoroughly warm.

How to Check if Your Soil is Ready

Calendar dates are a guide, but soil temperature is your best indicator. Watermelon seeds germinate best when soil is at 70°F (21°C) or warmer. You can check this with a simple soil thermometer.

Insert the thermometer about 2 inches deep into your garden bed in the morning.
Check the temperature for several consecutive days.
If it consistently reads 70°F or above, it’s time to plant.

Another old gardener’s trick is to sit bare-bottomed on the soil; if it feels comfortably warm to you, it’s probably warm enough for watermelon seeds!

Starting Seeds Indoors vs. Direct Sowing

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

Starting Seeds Indoors

This method gives you a head start, especially in regions with shorter summers. Begin about 2-3 weeks before your intended outdoor planting date.

Use biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing roots during transplant.
Plant seeds ½ inch deep in a quality seed-starting mix.
Keep them in a warm spot (75-85°F) until they sprout.
Provide plenty of light from a sunny window or grow lights.
Harden off seedlings for a week before transplanting them outside.

Direct Sowing in the Garden

This is the simplest method and is recommended where the growing season is long enough. Watermelons have sensitive roots and often prefer not to be transplanted.

Prepare your planting hill or row after all frost danger has passed.
Create small mounds of soil about 3 feet apart for bush varieties, 6-8 feet apart for vining types.
Plant 4-6 seeds per mound, about 1 inch deep.
Water gently but thoroughly.
Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin to the 2-3 strongest plants per mound.

Choosing the Right Variety for Texas Heat

Selecting a variety that thrives in heat and has a suitable days-to-maturity rating is crucial. Look for these reliable types:

‘Crimson Sweet’: A classic, disease-resistant variety that perfoms well across Texas.
‘Black Diamond’: Heirloom with a long vine, excellent for hot, humid East Texas.
‘Sugar Baby’ (Icebox type): Smaller melons that mature quickly (around 75 days), good for shorter seasons or small spaces.
‘Charleston Gray’: Known for its heat tolerance and resistance to sunburn.
‘Jubilee’: A oblong, striped melon that does very well in Texas conditions.

Step-by-Step Planting and Care Guide

Once your timing is set, follow these steps for healthy plants.

1. Site and Soil Preparation

Watermelons need full sun—at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They prefer well-draining, sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Work in several inches of compost or aged manure before planting to improve fertility and drainage.

2. Planting Your Seeds or Seedlings

Whether direct sowing or transplanting, space is key. Vining varieties need ample room to sprawl. If space is limited, consider training vines on a sturdy trellis and supporting the developing fruit with slings.

3. Watering and Fertilizing

Consistent watering is vital, especially during fruit set and growth. Water deeply at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the leaves to prevent disease. Reduce watering as the melons ripen to concentrate sugars. Use a balanced fertilizer at planting and a side-dressing of a low-nitrogen fertilizer when vines begin to run.

4. Pest and Disease Watch

Common issues in Texas include cucumber beetles, squash vine borers, and aphids. Row covers early in the season can help. Diseases like powdery mildew and fusarium wilt are also prevelant. Choose resistant varieties, rotate crops yearly, and ensure good air circulation.

5. Harvesting Your Bounty

Knowing when to pick is an art. Look for these signs:

The curly tendril nearest the fruit stem turns brown and dry.
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 produces a deep, hollow sound when thumped.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planting too early: Cold soil is the number one reason for seed failure.
Crowding plants: Good air circulation prevents disease, so give vines space.
Over-fertilizing with nitrogen: This leads to huge vines but few flowers or fruit.
Inconsistent watering: This can cause blossom-end rot or fruit splitting.

FAQ: Planting Watermelons in Texas

Can I plant watermelon seeds in June in Texas?

In South and Central Texas, a June planting is possible for a late summer/early fall harvest, especially with a short-season variety like ‘Sugar Baby.’ In North Texas, June is likely to late for optimal results before frost.

What is the latest month to plant watermelons?

For a main crop, late June is generally the cutoff for most regions. South Texas can sometimes plant as late as early July for a fall harvest if using a fast-maturing type.

How long does it take for watermelons to grow from seed?

Most varieties need 80-100 days from seed to harvest. Always check the “days to maturity” on your seed packet and count backward from your first expected fall frost date.

Do watermelons grow well in pots in Texas?

Yes, compact or “icebox” varieties can do well in large containers (at least 20 gallons) with excellent drainage. Place the pot in full sun and be vigilant about watering, as containers dry out faster.

By following these regional timing guidelines and care tips, you can master the art of growing watermelons in the Lone Star State. Paying attention to your local climate and soil conditions is the real secret to a sweet, succesful harvest that’s worth the wait.