When To Plant Watermelons In Arkansas

The best time to plant watermelons in Arkansas is from late April through early June, depending on your location in the state.
 
Watermelons love warmth, and Arkansas offers plenty of it once the last frost has passed.
 
If you’ve been wondering when to plant watermelons in Arkansas, the short answer is simple: wait until the soil temperature stays consistently above 60°F.
 
In most parts of Arkansas, that happens in late April or early May.
 
Plant too early, and cold soil can stunt your vines or kill your seedlings.
 
Plant too late, and your melons may not have enough time to ripen before fall cools things down.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best planting windows for watermelons in Arkansas, how to choose the right variety, and a few tips to help your crop thrive.
 

When to Plant Watermelons in Arkansas

Timing is everything when you’re planting watermelons in Arkansas.
 
Here’s how the planting window breaks down across the state:
 

1. Northern Arkansas (Late May to Early June)

If you’re in the northern part of the state, like Fayetteville or Mountain Home, you’ll want to hold off a bit longer.
 
The last frost date up there usually falls between April 15 and April 30.
 
So the ideal time to plant watermelons in northern Arkansas is late May through early June.
 
This gives the soil plenty of time to warm up after those cooler spring nights.
 

2. Central Arkansas (Early to Mid-May)

In central Arkansas, including Little Rock and Conway, you can plant watermelons starting in early May.
 
The last frost typically happens around April 5 to April 15.
 
Once you’re past that date and the soil temperature hits 60°F or higher, it’s safe to plant.
 
Many gardeners in this region aim for the first or second week of May.
 

3. Southern Arkansas (Late April to Early May)

Southern Arkansas, like Texarkana and El Dorado, warms up faster than the rest of the state.
 
The last frost date is usually around March 25 to April 5.
 
That means you can plant watermelons as early as late April in southern Arkansas.
 
Just keep an eye on the forecast for any surprise cold snaps.
 

4. Using Soil Temperature as Your Guide

Forget the calendar for a second and pay attention to your soil thermometer instead.
 
Watermelon seeds won’t germinate well if the soil is below 60°F.
 
The ideal soil temperature for planting watermelons is between 70°F and 95°F.
 
So before you plant, stick a thermometer two inches into the ground in the morning.
 
If it reads 60°F or higher for several days in a row, you’re good to go.
 

Choosing the Right Watermelon Variety for Arkansas

The variety you pick matters just as much as when you plant watermelons in Arkansas.
 
Here are some top choices for Arkansas gardeners:
 

1. Crimson Sweet

Crimson Sweet is a classic Arkansas favorite.
 
It matures in about 85 days and produces sweet, red flesh with few seeds.
 
It’s disease-resistant and handles Arkansas humidity well.
 

2. Jubilee

Jubilee is another popular pick for southern growers.
 
It takes about 90 days to mature, so plant it early in the window.
 
The melons get big, often weighing 20 to 30 pounds.
 

3. Sugar Baby

If you’re short on space, Sugar Baby is a great icebox variety.
 
It matures in 75 to 80 days and produces small, sweet melons.
 
It’s perfect for Arkansas gardens where you want a quicker harvest.
 

4. Black Diamond

Black Diamond is a large, dark green melon that loves heat.
 
It takes about 90 days to mature, so timing your planting is key.
 
The deep red flesh is sweet and juicy, making it a great choice for southern Arkansas.
 

Tips for Planting Watermelons in Arkansas

Once you know when to plant watermelons in Arkansas, a few extra tips will help you get the best results.
 

1. Plant in Full Sun

Watermelons need at least 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight daily.
 
Pick a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sun and has good drainage.
 

2. Use Raised Beds or Hills

Raised beds warm up faster in spring, which helps when you’re planting watermelons early.
 
You can also plant in hills, which is the traditional method for watermelons.
 

3. Water Deeply but Not Too Often

Watermelons need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
 
Water deeply at the base of the plant and avoid getting the leaves wet.
 

4. Watch for Pests and Diseases

Aphids, cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew can all be problems in Arkansas.
 
Keep an eye on your vines and treat issues early.
 

So, When to Plant Watermelons in Arkansas?

The best time to plant watermelons in Arkansas is from late April through early June, depending on where you live in the state.
 
Northern Arkansas gardeners should aim for late May to early June.
 
Central Arkansas gardeners can plant in early to mid-May.
 
Southern Arkansas gardeners can start as early as late April.
 
Just remember to wait until the soil stays above 60°F.
 
Pick the right variety, give them plenty of sun and water, and you’ll be harvesting sweet Arkansas watermelons before you know it.