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Can You Grow Watermelon in Texas?

US · USDA Zone 8a · zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4b–11b

Texas last frost

mid-February

Texas first frost

early December

Days to harvest

70–90 days

When to plant Watermelons in Texas

Start indoors

Jan 18

Transplant

Feb 15

Harvest

Apr 26 – May 16

Dates are approximate, based on Texas'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 Texas

Texas spans more climate zones than any state except California — from Zone 6 in the Texas Panhandle to Zone 9b in the Rio Grande Valley. Most Texans garden in Zone 7-8 with hot long summers.