When To Plant Watermelon In Texas

If you’re planning to grow watermelon in Texas, timing is everything. Knowing exactly when to plant watermelon in Texas is the first step to a succesful harvest.

Our hot, long growing season is perfect for these sun-loving fruits, but planting too early or too late can lead to problems. This guide will walk you through the optimal schedule for different regions, from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast.

We’ll cover soil prep, variety selection, and care tips to get you from seed to slice.

The best time to plant watermelon in Texas depends heavily on your specific location and the last spring frost. Watermelons need warm soil and no chance of frost.

For most of Texas, the ideal planting window is from mid-March through early July. Here’s a more detailed regional breakdown:

Central Texas & Hill Country: Plant from late March to early May.
North Texas & Panhandle: Wait until mid-April to late May, after all frost danger has passed.
South Texas & Gulf Coast: You can start earliest, from early March to mid-April. A second planting in early July is also possible.
West Texas: Aim for April through early June, depending on your elevation.

A good rule of thumb is to ensure soil temperatures are consistently above 70°F. You can use a soil thermometer to check. Seeds will rot in cool, damp soil.

Understanding Your Texas Growing Zone

Texas spans USDA hardiness zones 6b to 10a. This huge range means your local climate is key.

Zones 6b-8a (North & Panhandle): Shorter growing season. Use shorter-season varieties (70-85 days to maturity) and focus on spring planting.
Zones 8b-9b (Central, South, & Gulf Coast): Long, hot season. You can grow a wider range of varieties and have more flexibility on planting dates.
Zone 10a (Deep South Texas): Very long season. Perfect for multiple successions or larger, longer-season melons.

Check your exact zone online using your zip code. This will help you choose the right watermelon type for your area’s frost dates.

Choosing the Right Watermelon Varieties for Texas

Picking a variety suited to Texas heat and your region’s length of season is crucial. Look for disease resistance and heat tolerance.

Here are some excellent choices:

‘Crimson Sweet’: A reliable, disease-resistant classic with sweet, red flesh. Matures in about 85 days.
‘Charleston Gray’: Known for it’s tough rind and excellent heat tolerance. Good for storage and transport.
‘Sugar Baby’: A popular “icebox” type, smaller and perfect for gardens with limited space. Matures quickly in about 75 days.
‘Black Diamond’: A large, heirloom variety with a dark green rind. Does very well in Texas heat if you have the room.
‘Jubilee’: An oblong, large melon that thrives in long, hot summers. A favorite for South Texas.

Seed vs. Transplants

You can start watermelons from seed directly in the garden or from transplants you buy or start indoors.

Direct Seeding: Simplest method. Plant seeds 1 inch deep after the soil is warm. They germinate fast in heat.
Using Transplants: Gives you a head start, especially in regions with a slightly shorter season. Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before your outdoor planting date. Be very gentle when transplanting, as watermelon roots dislike disturbance.

Preparing Your Garden Soil

Watermelons demand rich, well-drained soil to produce their best. Here’s how to get your patch ready:

Choose a Sunny Spot: Select a location that gets a minimum of 8 hours of direct sun daily.
Test and Amend Soil: Ideally, test your soil pH. Watermelons prefer a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Amend with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
Build Hills or Rows: Forming raised hills (mounds about 12 inches high and 3 feet wide) improves drainage and warms the soil faster. Space hills 4-6 feet apart for vining types.
Fertilize: Mix a balanced, slow-release fertilizer into the soil before planting. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas later, as they promote leaves over fruit.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Wait for Warmth: Ensure both air and soil are warm. A late cold snap can stunt or kill plants.
Plant Seeds/Transplants: For seeds, plant 4-6 per hill, 1 inch deep. Later, thin to the 2-3 strongest seedlings. For transplants, plant them at the same depth they were in their pot.
Water Thoroughly: Water gently but deeply after planting to settle the soil around the seeds or roots.
Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch (like straw) around plants once they’re a few inches tall. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil warm.

Caring for Your Watermelon Plants

Consistent care through the season is what leads to sweet, juicy melons.

Watering and Feeding

Watermelons need deep, consistent watering, especially during fruit set and growth. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week.

A key tip is to reduce watering significantly during the last week or two before harvest. This concentrates the sugars for sweeter fruit. Overwatering near harvest can dilute flavor.

Side-dress plants with a low-nitrogen, higher-potassium fertilizer when vines begin to run and again when fruits appear.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Texas issues include:

Aphids & Cucumber Beetles: Use row covers early, hand-pick, or apply appropriate organic controls.
Powdery Mildew & Fusarium Wilt: Choose resistant varieties, ensure good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal disease.
Blossom End Rot: Caused by calcium deficiency and irregular watering. Maintain consistent soil moisture to prevent it.

How to Tell When Your Watermelon is Ripe

Harvesting at the right time is an art. Here are the classic signs:

The Curly Tendril Dries: Look for the curly tendril nearest the fruit stem. When it turns brown and dry, the melon is likely ripe.
The Ground Spot Turns Yellow: The spot where the melon rests on the ground changes from white to a creamy yellow.
Thumping Test: A ripe melon often has a deep, hollow sound when thumped, though this takes practice to distinguish.
Check the Sheen: The rind loses its glossy shine and becomes dull.

Use a combination of these signs, especially the tendril and ground spot, for the best results. Once picked, watermelons do not continue to ripen further.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the latest you can plant watermelons in Texas?

In most regions, aim to plant by early July at the latest. This gives the fruit enough time to mature before cooler fall temperatures and reduced sunlight arrive, which can affect sweetness.

Can you plant watermelon in May in Texas?

Yes, May is an excellent month to plant watermelon across much of Texas. The soil is thoroughly warm, and the long summer ahead provides ideal growing conditions.

How long does it take for watermelons to grow?

From planting to harvest, it typically takes 70 to 90 days, depending on the variety. Smaller “icebox” types mature faster, while large heirlooms may need the full 90 days or slightly more.

Do watermelons need a lot of room to grow?

Traditional vining varieties need considerable space—often a 4×6 foot area per hill. If space is limited, choose bush-type varieties or grow them on a sturdy trellis, supporting the heavy fruit with slings.

Growing watermelon in Texas is a rewarding summer project. By planting at the right time for your area, choosing a suited variety, and providing consistent care, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your own homegrown, sweet refreshment straight from the garden.