Can You Grow Watermelon In Minnesota

Yes, you can grow watermelon in Minnesota, but you’ll need to choose the right varieties and give them a strong head start.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether it’s possible to grow watermelon in Minnesota’s short growing season, the answer is a definite yes with a few smart strategies.
 
Minnesota’s cooler climate and shorter summers mean you can’t just plant any watermelon variety and hope for the best.
 
But with the right approach, growing watermelon in Minnesota can be a rewarding experience that yields sweet, juicy fruit right from your own garden.
 
In this post, we’ll explore how to grow watermelon in Minnesota successfully, including the best varieties to choose, when to plant, and tips to get a bountiful harvest.
 
Let’s dig in!
 

Why You Can Grow Watermelon in Minnesota

You can grow watermelon in Minnesota despite the state’s reputation for cold winters and short summers.
 
Here’s why it’s possible:
 

1. Minnesota Has a Decent Growing Season

Minnesota’s growing season typically runs from late May to early September, giving you around 100 to 140 frost-free days depending on your location.
 
That’s enough time for watermelon to grow and ripen if you choose fast-maturing varieties.
 
The key is working with the season, not against it.
 

2. Watermelon Varieties Exist for Short Seasons

You can grow watermelon in Minnesota thanks to specially bred short-season varieties.
 
These watermelons mature in as little as 70 to 85 days, which fits perfectly within Minnesota’s growing window.
 
Varieties like ‘Sugar Baby,’ ‘Blacktail Mountain,’ and ‘Golden Midget’ are excellent choices for northern gardeners.
 

3. Techniques Extend the Season

If you want to grow watermelon in Minnesota, you can use season-extending techniques like black plastic mulch, row covers, and starting seeds indoors.
 
These methods give your watermelons a jumpstart and protect them from unexpected cold snaps.
 
With these tricks, even gardeners in cooler parts of Minnesota can grow watermelon successfully.
 

How to Grow Watermelon in Minnesota

Growing watermelon in Minnesota requires a bit of planning and attention, but it’s absolutely doable.
 
Here’s how to do it right:
 

1. Start Seeds Indoors

Begin your watermelon seeds indoors about 3 to 4 weeks before the last expected frost date.
 
In Minnesota, that’s usually around mid to late April.
 
Use peat pots or biodegradable containers so you can transplant without disturbing the roots.
 
Keep the seedlings warm and well-lit, and don’t let them get too leggy.
 

2. Choose the Right Location

Watermelon loves full sun and warmth, so pick the sunniest spot in your garden.
 
A south-facing slope or a spot near a reflective surface like a wall can help trap heat.
 
Make sure the soil drains well and is rich in organic matter.
 

3. Use Black Plastic Mulch

Black plastic mulch is a game-changer for growing watermelon in Minnesota.
 
It warms the soil, keeps weeds down, and helps retain moisture.
 
Lay it down a week or two before transplanting to let the soil heat up.
 

4. Transplant After the Last Frost

Wait until the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F and all danger of frost has passed.
 
In Minnesota, that’s typically late May to early June.
 
Harden off your seedlings before planting them outside to avoid shock.
 

5. Water and Feed Consistently

Watermelons need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development.
 
Water deeply once a week, aiming for about 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
 
Feed with a balanced fertilizer early on, then switch to a lower-nitrogen formula once flowers appear.
 

6. Protect Young Plants

Row covers or cloches can protect young watermelon plants from cold nights and pests.
 
Remove the covers once the plants start flowering so pollinators can get in.
 
This is especially important in Minnesota where early summer nights can still be chilly.
 

Best Watermelon Varieties for Minnesota

Choosing the right variety is crucial when you grow watermelon in Minnesota.
 
Here are some top picks:
 

1. Sugar Baby

Sugar Baby is a classic icebox watermelon that matures in about 75 days.
 
It produces small, sweet fruits that are perfect for northern gardens.
 

2. Blacktail Mountain

Blacktail Mountain was developed specifically for short-season climates.
 
It matures in about 70 to 75 days and produces dark green fruit with sweet red flesh.
 

3. Golden Midget

Golden Midget is another fast-maturing variety that’s ready in about 70 days.
 
The rind turns golden yellow when ripe, making it easy to know when to harvest.
 

4. Cream of Saskatchewan

This heirloom variety matures in about 80 days and has a thin rind with sweet, pale flesh.
 
It’s a great choice if you want something a little different.
 

So, Can You Grow Watermelon in Minnesota?

Yes, you can grow watermelon in Minnesota with the right varieties and techniques.
 
The key is choosing short-season watermelons, starting seeds indoors, using black plastic mulch, and protecting your plants from cold.
 
With a little patience and planning, growing watermelon in Minnesota can be a fun and fruitful adventure.
 
So go ahead and give it a try, there’s nothing quite like biting into a homegrown Minnesota watermelon.