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Can You Grow Watermelon in Tennessee?

US · USDA Zone 6b · zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4b–11b

Tennessee last frost

mid-March

Tennessee first frost

mid-November

Days to harvest

70–90 days

When to plant Watermelons in Tennessee

Start indoors

Feb 14

Transplant

Mar 15

Harvest

May 24 – Jun 13

Dates are approximate, based on Tennessee'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 Tennessee

Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate transitioning to continental in the east. Nashville is Zone 7a; the Appalachians are Zone 6a-6b. Long productive growing seasons.

See what grows well in Tennessee →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Watermelon in Tennessee?

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

What zone is Tennessee?

Tennessee spans USDA Zone 6b (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b).

When do you plant Watermelons in Tennessee?

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