Home › Watermelon › Grow in California

Can You Grow Watermelon in California?

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

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4b–11b

California last frost

mid-January

California first frost

late December

Days to harvest

70–90 days

When to plant Watermelons in California

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 10

Harvest

Mar 21 – Apr 10

Dates are approximate, based on California'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 California

California spans more climate zones than any other state. Coastal regions are mild year-round; the Central Valley is hot and productive; mountains are cold; deserts are extreme.