Home › Watermelon › Grow in Iowa

Can You Grow Watermelon in Iowa?

US · USDA Zone 5a · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4b–11b

Iowa last frost

mid-April

Iowa first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

70–90 days

When to plant Watermelons in Iowa

Start indoors

Mar 18

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Jun 24 – Jul 14

Dates are approximate, based on Iowa'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 Iowa

Iowa has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Most of the state is Zone 5a-5b. Excellent for cool-season crops and hardy fruits.