When to Plant Watermelon in Kansas
The ultimate summer treat. Watermelons need heat, space, and patience — but the payoff is pure joy.
The Short Answer
Kansas Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Kansas you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Kansas | 5b, 6a | Apr 20 - May 5 | Oct 1 - Oct 15 |
| Central Kansas | 6a, 6b | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Southern Kansas | 6b, 7a | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
Watermelon Planting Schedule for Kansas
Northern Kansas (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Kansas (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Kansas (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Growing Watermelon in Kansas
Watermelon in Kansas's Climate
Watermelon is achievable with transplants and short-to-medium season varieties. Start indoors 3 weeks before last frost. Black plastic mulch warms soil for earlier transplanting. Crimson Sweet (80 days) is the most popular variety. Your warm July-August provides the sustained heat watermelons need for sweetness.
Soil Considerations for Kansas
Prairie soils in east — rich and deep. More alkaline and thinner soils in west. Wind erosion can be an issue. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 70°F before planting watermelon outside.
Kansas Climate & Growing Season
Hot summers with strong winds. Severe thunderstorms and hail risk. Drier in the west. Good growing conditions for heat-loving crops. 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 Kansas: Northern Kansas (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Kansas (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. 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:
Keep watermelon away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026