When to plant watermelon in Richmond, Virginia

April 17 – May 1

Transplant outdoors · typical Richmond year

Climate basis: NOAA station Richmond INTL AP, VA (USW00013740), 7 mi (11 km) from downtown Richmond (ZCTA 23219 centroid), elevation 164 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Transplant watermelon outdoors from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (April 3). One year in ten still freezes after April 18.

Last spring freezeApril 31-in-10 after Apr 18

First fall freezeNovember 41-in-10 before Oct 23

Frost-free season≈ 215 daysmedian at 32°F

Hard freeze, 28°Mar 22 – Nov 15kills even hardy greens

USDA zone7b5 to 10°F winter low — not frost timing

The Richmond year

Start seeds indoorsMar 20 – Mar 27

Transplant outdoorsApr 17 – May 1

Direct-sow outdoorsApr 17 – May 1

indoors under lights
in the garden
frost-free season
1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 18

Watermelon in Richmond · freeze context from Richmond INTL AP, VA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Mar 20 – Mar 27

Iowa State: start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the anticipated outdoor planting date (Missouri G6570: 3–5 weeks). Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Apr 3). Iowa State University Extension and Outreach · University of Missouri Extension

Transplant outdoors

Apr 17 – May 1

Same outdoor timing as direct seeding, using pot-grown transplants. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Apr 3). Iowa State University Extension and Outreach · Purdue University Extension

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 17 – May 1

Iowa State: plant after the danger of frost is past once soil reaches 60–70°F; Purdue's very-tender melon class (at least two weeks after frost) is the conservative reading used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Apr 3). Iowa State University Extension and Outreach · Purdue University Extension

Variety assumption: Assumes an average variety (about 80–90 days from seed).

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:

Crop rule sources (3)

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: Growing Watermelon in the Home Garden (accessed 2026-07-24)
"Plant melons after the danger of frost is past and soil temperatures have warmed to 60 to 70°F." "Start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the anticipated outdoor planting date."
University of Missouri Extension: Starting Plants Indoors from Seeds (G6570) (accessed 2026-07-24)
Weeks needed to grow vegetable transplants indoors (Table 2).
Purdue University Extension: Indiana Vegetable Planting Calendar (HO-186-W) (accessed 2026-07-24)
Hardiness classes: hardy = plant 4-6 wk before last spring frost; semi-hardy = 2-4 wk before; tender = after average last frost; very tender = at least 2 wk after. Table 2: fall planting at least 4-8 wk before first fall frost.

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