When To Plant Watermelon In Florida

If you want to grow sweet, juicy watermelons in Florida, timing is everything. Knowing exactly when to plant watermelon in Florida is the first and most important step to a succesful harvest.

Plant too early, and a late frost could wipe out your seedlings. Plant too late, and the intense summer heat or fall rains might ruin your crop. Florida’s unique climate, with its long growing season and distinct regions, offers a big window for planting, but you need to hit the sweet spot. This guide will walk you through the optimal timing for both North and South Florida, along with the simple steps to get your vines thriving.

Florida’s planting schedule is primarily divided by region: North Florida and Central/South Florida. The key is to plant after the last frost date in your area and when soil temperatures are reliably warm.

North Florida Planting Window

In North Florida, the spring growing season starts a bit later. You should aim to plant your watermelon seeds or transplants outdoors from late February through April. The soil temperature should be at least 70°F for good germination. For a fall crop, you can plant again in late July to early August.

Central & South Florida Planting Window

Central and South Florida gardeners have a much longer and earlier season. Here, you can start planting as early as December in some southern areas, but the main window runs from January through March. A fall planting is also excellent, typically from July through September.

Key Temperature Guidelines

Soil Temperature: Minimum 70°F. Use a soil thermometer to check.
Air Temperature: Consistently above 50°F at night. Watermelons hate the cold.
Last Frost Date: Always plant after this date for your specific city.

Using a Planting Calendar

A simple monthly calendar can help you visualize the best times. Remember, these are general ranges—always adjust for your local weather conditions.

December – February: Prime planting time for South Florida. Central Florida can begin in late January.
March – April: Prime planting time for North Florida. Central Florida finishes spring planting.
July – September: Ideal for fall crop planting across most of the state.

Starting Seeds vs. Using Transplants

You can start watermelons from seeds sown directly in the garden or by using young transplants you started indoors or bought.

Direct Seeding: Simplest method. Plant seeds 1 inch deep in warm soil. Works great in Florida’s long season.
Using Transplants: Gives you a 2-3 week head start. This is helpful for getting a jump on the season, especially if you want an early harvest.

If starting seeds indoors, begin them about 3-4 weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. Be very careful when transplanting, as watermelon roots are sensitive to disturbance.

How to Plant Watermelons in Florida Soil

Florida soil can be sandy and lack nutrients, so preparation is crucial. Watermelons need deep, well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Pick a spot that gets full sun—at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The space needs to be large, as vines can sprawl 10-20 feet. Ensure good air circulation to help prevent fungal diseases, which are common in Florida humidity.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Test Your Soil: A pH of 6.0 to 6.8 is ideal. Florida’s sandy soil is often more acidic, so you might need to add lime.
Amend the Soil: Mix in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top 6-8 inches of soil. This improves nutrient content and water retention.
Build Mounds or Rows: Create raised mounds about 6-8 inches high and 3 feet wide. Space mounds 6-8 feet apart. This improves drainage and warms the soil faster.

Step 3: Planting Your Seeds or Transplants

On each mound, plant 4-6 seeds, 1 inch deep. Space them evenly.
Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them to the 2-3 strongest plants per mound.
If using transplants, plant them at the same depth they were in their pot. Gently firm the soil around them.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting.

Recommended Varieties for Florida

‘Sugar Baby’: Icebox type, great for smaller spaces, matures quickly.
‘Crimson Sweet’: Classic, disease-resistant, reliable producer.
‘Charleston Gray’: Well-adapted to Southern heat and humidity.
‘Jubilee’: An oblong, sweet variety that performs well here.

Caring for Your Watermelon Plants

Consistent care through the growing season is what turns flowers into fruit.

Watering Schedule

Watermelons need deep, consistent watering, especially during fruit set and growth. Provide 1-2 inches of water per week. Water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Reduce watering as the fruits mature to concentrate sugars for better flavor.

Fertilizing for Growth

Use a balanced fertilizer when planting. Then, switch to a low-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus and potassium fertilizer when vines start to run. Too much nitrogen will give you lots of leaves but few fruits. Always follow label instructions.

Pest and Disease Management

Florida gardens face specific challenges.

Common Pests: Aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash vine borers. Use row covers early on and inspect plants regularly.
Common Diseases: Powdery mildew and downy mildew (due to humidity), and fusarium wilt. Choose resistant varieties, rotate crops yearly, and avoid wetting the foliage.

Pollination Tips

Watermelons need pollinators. You’ll see male and female flowers on the same vine. If you lack bees, you can hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from a male flower to a female flower using a small brush. The female flower has a tiny fruit at its base.

Harvesting Your Florida Watermelons

Harvest time is the best reward. Most varieties mature 80-90 days after planting.

Signs of Ripeness:

The curly tendril closest to the fruit 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 you thump it with your knuckles.

Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the stem, leaving about an inch attached to the fruit. Don’t pull or twist it off the vine.

FAQ: Planting Watermelons in Florida

What is the latest you can plant watermelons in Florida?

For a spring/summer harvest, aim to have seeds in the ground by early April in North Florida and by late March in Central Florida. For a fall harvest, plant by early September in North Florida and by late September in South Florida.

Can you grow watermelons year-round in Florida?

Not quite. While South Florida has a very long season, the coolest winter months (December-February in some areas) are to cold for good growth. The peak planting times are spring and fall to avoid extreme heat and frost.

How long does it take for watermelons to grow in Florida?

From planting to harvest, it typically takes 70 to 90 days, depending on the variety. Smaller “icebox” types mature faster than large picnic varieties.

What should I avoid planting near watermelons?

Avoid planting them near potatoes or cucumbers. Potatoes can attract pests, and cucumbers can cross-pollinate, though it won’t affect the current year’s fruit. Good companions include marigolds, nasturtiums, and herbs like oregano.

Getting your timing right is the foundation for growing great watermelons. By following these regional schedules and preparation tips, you’ll give your plants the best possible start. Pay attention to your local weather, prepare your soil well, and provide consistent care. With a little patience, you’ll be enjoying your own homegrown, sweet Florida watermelon before you know it.