When To Grow Watermelon In Florida

If you want to grow watermelon in Florida, timing is your most important first step. Getting the planting season right makes the difference between a sweet, juicy harvest and disappointing vines. Our guide will walk you through the optimal windows for each region, from the Panhandle down to the Keys.

Florida’s long, hot summers are perfect for watermelons, but our unique climate has specific rules. Planting at the wrong time can lead to problems with pests, disease, or fruit that just won’t sweeten up. Let’s break down the simple schedule you need to follow for success.

This is the core of your gardening plan. Florida has two main planting seasons for watermelon, and the one you choose depends entirely on where you live in the state.

North Florida Planting Schedule

North Florida includes areas like Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Jacksonville. Winters here can bring frost, so you must wait until the soil is fully warm.

Optimal Planting Window: Late March through April.
You should aim to get seeds or transplants into the ground after the last spring frost date has safely passed.
Soil temperature should be at least 70°F for good germination. Using black plastic mulch can help warm the soil faster in early spring.

Central Florida Planting Schedule

Central Florida, covering Orlando, Tampa, and Lakeland, has a longer, more forgiving season. The mild winters allow for an earlier start.

Optimal Planting Window: February through March.
This region can often support a second, fall planting if you’re quick about it.
For a fall harvest, plant seeds in early August. This timing helps avoid the peak of summer pest pressure.

South Florida Planting Schedule

South Florida, from Fort Myers and Naples to Miami and the Keys, has a tropical climate. This allows for the longest growing season of all.

Optimal Planting Window: December through March.
The coolest, driest months are ideal for planting to avoid excessive rain and humidity during fruit set.
You can often grow watermelons here right through the spring and into early summer.

Why Timing is Everything

Planting at the correct time isn’t just about frost. It’s about aligning your vine’s growth with the best possible weather conditions.

Heat & Sun: Watermelons need intense heat and full sun (8+ hours daily) to produce high sugar content.
Avoiding Rainy Season: Planting so that fruit matures before the peak summer rains reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
Pest Avoidance: Timely planting can help you avoid the worst cycles of common pests like aphids and cucumber beetles.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you know your dates, follow these steps to get your watermelons off to a strong start.

1. Choose the Right Variety

Selecting a variety suited for Florida’s heat and humidity is crucial. Some excellent choices include:

‘Sugar Baby’: A smaller, icebox type that matures quickly.
‘Crimson Sweet’: A classic, reliable variety with good disease resistance.
‘Charleston Gray’: Known for it’s tough rind and excellent heat tolerance.
Always check seed packets for days to maturity (70-90 days is common) and disease resistance notations.

2. Prepare Your Garden Site

Watermelons are heavy feeders and need lots of space. Proper site prep saves headaches later.

Sunlight: Choose the sunniest spot in your garden.
Soil: They prefer sandy, well-draining soil. Amend Florida’s sandy soil with plenty of compost or well-rotted manure.
Space: Vines can sprawl 10-20 feet. Plant hills or rows 6 feet apart, with seeds 2-3 feet apart in the row.

3. Planting Seeds vs. Transplants

You can start from seed directly in the garden or use transplants to get a jump on the season.

Direct Seeding: Plant seeds 1 inch deep. Sow 4-5 seeds per hill, thinning to the 2 strongest seedlings later.
Using Transplants: Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before your outdoor planting date. Be very gentle when transplanting, as watermelon roots dislike disturbance.

4. Essential Care Through the Season

Consistent care is key, especially in Florida’s variable weather.

Watering: Water deeply 1-2 times per week, providing 1-2 inches of water. Avoid overhead watering to keep leaves dry. Reduce watering slightly as fruit ripens for sweeter melons.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer at planting. Switch to a low-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus fertilizer when vines start to run to encourage fruit, not just leaves.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer of pine straw or hay mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep developing fruit off the bare soil.

Common Florida Growing Challenges

Even with perfect timing, you may face these issues. Here’s how to manage them.

Pests

Stay vigilant for these common invaders.

Aphids: Blast them off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
Cucumber Beetles: These spread disease. Use row covers early in the season, removing them when flowers appear.
Rindworms: Check developing fruit for damage and hand-pick caterpillars.

Diseases

Florida’s humidity is a breeding ground for fungal diseases.

Powdery Mildew: Looks like white powder on leaves. Plant resistant varieties and ensure good air circulation.
Fusarium Wilt: Causes vines to suddenly collapse. Again, resistant varieties are your best defense.
Anthracnose: Causes dark spots on leaves and fruit. Rotate crops yearly and avoid working with wet plants.

How to Know When Your Watermelon is Ripe

Harvesting at the right moment is the final reward. Use these three classic signs together.

The Curly Tendril: Look for the curly tendril closest to the fruit stem. When it turns brown and dries up, the melon is likely ripe.
The Ground Spot: Gently lift the melon. The spot where it rests on the ground should change from white to a creamy yellow color.
The Thump Test: Give it a knock. A ripe watermelon will have a deep, hollow sound, while an immature one sounds solid.

FAQ: Growing Watermelon in Florida

Can you grow watermelon in Florida year-round?

In South Florida, you can grow it for much of the year, but the optimal, pest-free season is winter through early spring. In Central and North Florida, you are limited to the spring/summer growing window due to frost.

What month is best to plant watermelon?

It varies by region: February-March in Central Florida, March-April in North Florida, and December-March in South Florida. Always check your local frost dates.

How long does it take for watermelons to grow?

Most varieties need 80 to 90 days from planting to harvest. Smaller “icebox” types can mature in as little as 70 days, which is a good choice for fall planting.

Do watermelons need a lot of water?

Yes, they require deep, consistent watering, especially during fruit set and growth. However, to much water right before harvest can dilute the sweetness.

What should I not plant next to watermelon?

Avoid planting them near potatoes or cucumbers. Potatoes can inhibit growth, and cucumbers attract similar pests. Good companions include marigolds, oregano, and nasturtiums, which can help deter pests naturally.

Following this Florida-specific guide for when to grow watermelon sets you up for a succesful harvest. By aligning your planting with the optimal season for your region and providing consistent care, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your own homegrown, sweet Florida watermelon. Remember, the heat is your friend, and timing is your secret tool.