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Can You Grow Watermelon in Virginia?

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

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4b–11b

Virginia last frost

early March

Virginia first frost

late November

Days to harvest

70–90 days

When to plant Watermelons in Virginia

Start indoors

Feb 7

Transplant

Mar 7

Harvest

May 16 – Jun 5

Dates are approximate, based on Virginia'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 Virginia

Virginia ranges from Zone 5b in the mountains to Zone 7b on the coast. The Shenandoah Valley is Zone 6b-7a. Four seasons with a long productive growing window in most areas.