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Can You Grow Watermelon in Louisiana?

US · USDA Zone 8b · zones 8a, 8b, 9a

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4b–11b

Louisiana last frost

late January

Louisiana first frost

mid-December

Days to harvest

70–90 days

When to plant Watermelons in Louisiana

Start indoors

Jan 2

Transplant

Jan 30

Harvest

Apr 10 – Apr 30

Dates are approximate, based on Louisiana'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 Louisiana

Louisiana has a humid subtropical climate with very mild winters and long hot summers. Year-round cool-season growing is possible; the summer is the only limiting factor.

See what grows well in Louisiana →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Watermelon in Louisiana?

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

What zone is Louisiana?

Louisiana spans USDA Zone 8b (8a, 8b, 9a).

When do you plant Watermelons in Louisiana?

Plant Watermelons around late January (start indoors Jan 2), harvest Apr 10 – Apr 30.