Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Watermelon in Arkansas

The ultimate summer treat. Watermelons need heat, space, and patience — but the payoff is pure joy.

The Short Answer

In Arkansas, watermelon planting dates vary by region. In Northern Arkansas, your average last frost is around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while Southern Arkansas sees its last frost around Mar 15 - Apr 1. Since watermelon are frost-sensitive, start seeds indoors 3 weeks before your last frost, then transplant outside 2 weeks after frost danger has passed. Heavy clay in lowlands. Rocky soil in Ozarks. Raised beds recommended for drainage.

Arkansas Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Arkansas you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Arkansas 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Arkansas 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 20 - Nov 5
Southern Arkansas 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15

Watermelon Planting Schedule for Arkansas

Northern Arkansas (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Start Seeds Indoors
3 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
3 wks after frost

Central Arkansas (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

Start Seeds Indoors
3 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
3 wks after frost

Southern Arkansas (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15

Start Seeds Indoors
3 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
3 wks after frost

Growing Watermelon in Arkansas

Watermelon in Arkansas's Climate

Watermelon is a natural fit for your warm climate. The long, hot season produces the sweetest, largest melons. Start transplants early for a long harvest. Texas, Georgia, and the Carolinas are premier watermelon territory. Deep watering during fruit development and reducing water near harvest concentrates sweetness.

Soil Considerations for Arkansas

Heavy clay in lowlands. Rocky soil in Ozarks. Raised beds recommended for drainage. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 70°F before planting watermelon outside.

Arkansas Climate & Growing Season

Hot, humid summers. Moderate winters. Good growing conditions for most vegetables. Watermelon cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.

Growing season length varies across Arkansas: Northern Arkansas (6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while Southern Arkansas (7b, 8a) sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. This difference matters for watermelon — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.

Growing Tips

Black plastic mulch warms soil faster. Check ripeness by looking for a yellow ground spot and listening for a hollow thump.

Companion Planting

Plant watermelon alongside these companions for better growth:

Corn Sunflowers Marigolds

Keep watermelon away from:

Potatoes

The Bottom Line

Watermelon can be grown successfully across Arkansas, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Arkansas gardeners should plan around a Apr 5 - Apr 20 last frost, while those in Southern Arkansas can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Watermelon Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Arkansas Planting Calendar All plants for Arkansas Watermelon in Alabama Alabama planting dates Watermelon in Alaska Alaska planting dates Watermelon in Arizona Arizona planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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