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Can You Grow Watermelon in Alabama?

US · USDA Zone 8a · zones 7b, 8a, 8b

Grows well here

Watermelons thrive here — they love the long warm season your zone provides.

Plant zones

4b–11b

Alabama last frost

mid-February

Alabama first frost

early December

Days to harvest

70–90 days

When to plant Watermelons in Alabama

Start indoors

Jan 18

Transplant

Feb 15

Harvest

Apr 26 – May 16

Dates are approximate, based on Alabama's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Watermelon

Watermelons love heat space and sun — they are a rewarding crop but need a long warm season.

Start indoors 4 weeks before last frost. Transplant carefully — watermelons hate root disturbance. Give them maximum space. Use black plastic mulch to warm soil. Choose icebox varieties for containers.

Full watermelon growing guide →

Gardening in Alabama

Alabama has a humid subtropical climate with long hot summers and mild winters. Most of the state supports year-round cool-season growing and a long warm season for vegetables.