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ZIP 38103 planting calendar

When to plant watermelon in Memphis, TN - Zone 8a

In ZIP 38103, plant watermelon around Apr 8; this uses the Memphis frost station, USDA zone 8a, and watermelon timing rules.

Your Memphis calendar has a 225-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative Memphis frost station, USDA zone 8a, and watermelon timing rules.

Source: memphis-intl frost station, USDA zone 8a, last updated 2026-06-28. Verify locally before planting high-value crops because microclimates, current weather, and yard exposure can move the safe date.

Reviewed by GrowZone Editorial. Calculated from the memphis-intl frost station and USDA zone 8a, last updated 2026-06-28.

In the Memphis area, watermelon timing follows the Memphis frost window, so the local ZIP date can differ from a broad zone-only calendar.

USDA zone 8a Memphis frost station University of Tennessee Extension Updated 2026-06-28
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Answer first

When to start watermelon seeds indoors in Memphis

In ZIP 38103, start watermelon seeds indoors around Mar 4, about 21 days before the Mar 25 last-frost estimate.

Start watermelon seeds indoors in Memphis around Mar 4, about 21 days before the Mar 25 last-frost estimate.

Seed starting schedule

Watermelon dates for Memphis, TN

StepDateHow to use it
Start IndoorsMarch 4, 2026Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant OutdoorsApril 8, 2026Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.
Direct SowApril 8, 2026Sow seed outside when the crop and soil can handle the window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in Memphis?

Memphis (ZIP 38103) has an average last spring frost around Mar 25.

First frost

When is the first frost in Memphis?

The average first fall frost is around Nov 5, giving about 225 frost-free days.

Season map

Watermelon windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start indoors
Mar 4
Direct sow
Apr 8
Transplant
Apr 8
Harvest
Jul 7
Frost watch
Aug 7

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Start watermelon indoorsMar 4
Last frost windowMar 25
Direct sow watermelonApr 8
Transplant watermelonApr 8
First watermelon harvest windowJul 7
Last watermelon sowing targetAug 7
SignalValueWhy it matters
Last frost estimateMarch 25, 2026Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimateNovember 5, 2026Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length225 daysLonger seasons can support succession crops.
Spacing36-60 inAirflow and root space affect yield.
Soil temperature70 F+Seeds and transplants stall in cold soil.

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Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

Memphis frost history and USDA zone 8a shift the safe planting window. GrowZone uses a local representative station instead of one national rule.

University of Tennessee Extension is the kind of local source to verify against when a crop is expensive, weather is unusual, or your yard has a cold pocket.

Crop note

Watermelon timing notes

Wait for warm soil; watermelon stalls when nights stay cool. Watermelon prefers full sun, 36-60 in spacing, and soil near 70 F+.

For fall, count backward from Nov 5. A conservative last sowing target is around Aug 7.