Home › Watermelon › Grow in Rhode Island

Can You Grow Watermelon in Rhode Island?

US · USDA Zone 6b · zones 6a, 6b

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4b–11b

Rhode Island last frost

mid-March

Rhode Island first frost

mid-November

Days to harvest

70–90 days

When to plant Watermelons in Rhode Island

Start indoors

Feb 14

Transplant

Mar 15

Harvest

May 24 – Jun 13

Dates are approximate, based on Rhode Island'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 Rhode Island

Rhode Island has a humid continental climate moderated by the ocean. A small state with a single primary zone of 6b in most areas. Four seasons with a productive growing window.

See what grows well in Rhode Island →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Watermelon in Rhode Island?

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

What zone is Rhode Island?

Rhode Island spans USDA Zone 6b (6a, 6b).

When do you plant Watermelons in Rhode Island?

Plant Watermelons around mid-March (start indoors Feb 14), harvest May 24 – Jun 13.