GrowZone

Crop by USDA zone

When to plant watermelon in zone 8b

In USDA zone 8b, plant watermelon around Mar 26, after the representative last frost near Mar 12. Start seeds indoors around Feb 19.

This page summarizes the supported ZIPs in zone 8b. 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 Fort Worth, TX

StepDateHow to use it
Start IndoorsFebruary 19, 2026Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant OutdoorsMarch 26, 2026Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.
Direct SowMarch 26, 2026Sow seed outside when the crop and soil can handle the window.
Virginia Beach, VA · Zone 8b Watermelon Apr 15 Open ZIP-specific answer · last frost Apr 1 Dallas, TX · Zone 8b Watermelon Mar 26 Open ZIP-specific answer · last frost Mar 12 Arlington, TX · Zone 8b Watermelon Mar 26 Open ZIP-specific answer · last frost Mar 12 Fort Worth, TX · Zone 8b Watermelon Mar 26 Open ZIP-specific answer · last frost Mar 12 Austin, TX · Zone 8b Watermelon Mar 19 Open ZIP-specific answer · last frost Mar 5 El Paso, TX · Zone 8b Watermelon Mar 29 Open ZIP-specific answer · last frost Mar 15