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Can You Grow Watermelon in Oregon?

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

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4b–11b

Oregon last frost

late January

Oregon first frost

mid-December

Days to harvest

70–90 days

When to plant Watermelons in Oregon

Start indoors

Jan 2

Transplant

Jan 30

Harvest

Apr 10 – Apr 30

Dates are approximate, based on Oregon'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 Oregon

Oregon has dramatically different climates west and east of the Cascades. The Willamette Valley is mild and productive year-round (Zone 8a-8b); eastern Oregon is semi-arid and colder (Zone 5-6).