GrowZone

Crop by USDA zone

When to plant watermelon in zone 8a

In USDA zone 8a, plant watermelon around Apr 19, after the representative last frost near Apr 5. Start seeds indoors around Mar 15.

This page summarizes the supported ZIPs in zone 8a. Your exact city can move earlier or later, so use the ZIP lookup for the frost-station-specific answer.

Get exact watermelon dates by ZIP code.

Seed starting schedule

Watermelon dates for Charlotte, NC

StepDateHow to use it
Start IndoorsMarch 15, 2026Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant OutdoorsApril 19, 2026Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.
Direct SowApril 19, 2026Sow seed outside when the crop and soil can handle the window.
Raleigh, NC · Zone 8a Watermelon Apr 24 Open ZIP-specific answer · last frost Apr 10 Charlotte, NC · Zone 8a Watermelon Apr 19 Open ZIP-specific answer · last frost Apr 5 Atlanta, GA · Zone 8a Watermelon Apr 12 Open ZIP-specific answer · last frost Mar 29 Memphis, TN · Zone 8a Watermelon Apr 8 Open ZIP-specific answer · last frost Mar 25