When to Plant Watermelon in Zone 11a

Citrullus lanatus

Last updated: May 15, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative Extension
Action Plan

Plant Watermelon in Zone 11a

  • Start indoors: Dec 25
  • Transplant: Feb 12 — after last frost (Jan 22)
  • First harvest: May 1 (70–90 days)
⚠️ Zone 11a last frost: Jan 22. Don't plant frost-sensitive crops before this date.
Last frost
Jan 22
First frost
Dec 18
Growing season
330 days
Zone 11a is the colder half of Zone 11

Zone 11a has a last frost around Jan 22 and first frost around Dec 18, giving you approximately 330 growing days. This is about 2 weeks shorter than Zone 11b. For more details see the Zone 11 complete guide.

Other Zones for Watermelon

Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9Zone 10Zone 11
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.
Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.