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Can You Grow Watermelon in Arizona?

US · USDA Zone 9a · zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4b–11b

Arizona last frost

late January

Arizona first frost

late December

Days to harvest

70–90 days

When to plant Watermelons in Arizona

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 20

Harvest

Mar 31 – Apr 20

Dates are approximate, based on Arizona'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 Arizona

Arizona spans dramatic climate zones from cool mountain forests to hot desert. Low-elevation cities like Phoenix grow year-round; high-elevation areas are Zone 5-6.

See what grows well in Arizona →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Watermelon in Arizona?

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

What zone is Arizona?

Arizona spans USDA Zone 9a (4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a).

When do you plant Watermelons in Arizona?

Plant Watermelons around late January (start indoors Jan 1), harvest Mar 31 – Apr 20.