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🍉 Growing Watermelon in Zone 11b

Zone 11b has a year-round growing season. Watermelon can be planted almost any time with proper planning. Last frost: Jan 15. First frost: Dec 31.

Planting Calendar

Indoor

Outdoor

Harvest

Dec 18Dec 31

Season: Jan 15 – Dec 31 (350 days)

Zone11b

Last FrostJan 15

First FrostDec 31

Season Length350 days

Days to Harvest90

SunFull Sun

Frost ToleranceNone

Spacing1/sqft (12" apart)

When to Plant Watermelon in Zone 11b

Start Seeds Indoors: Dec 18

Start Watermelon seeds indoors around Dec 18 (4 weeks before last frost). Optimal germination temperature: 85°F. Germinates in 4–12 days.

Transplant Outdoors: Jan 29

Transplant Watermelon seedlings outdoors after Jan 29. Wait until soil temperature reaches 70°F. Space plants at 1/sqft (12" apart). Harden off plants for a week before moving outside.

Harvest: Apr 14

First harvest approximately Apr 14 (~75 days from transplant). Continue harvesting until first frost (Dec 31).

Companion Planting

✅ Corn✅ Nasturtiums✅ Marigolds✅ Radishes

❌ Potatoes❌ Cucumbers

Watermelon in Other Zones

1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b 13a 13b

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Watermelon in Zone 11b?

Start Watermelon seeds indoors around Dec 18. Transplant outdoors after Jan 29. Expect first harvest around Apr 14.

What is the last frost date for Zone 11b?

The average last spring frost date for Zone 11b is Jan 15. The first fall frost averages Dec 31, giving a 350-day growing season.

Can I grow Watermelon in Zone 11b?

Yes. Watermelon needs 90 days to harvest. Zone 11b has a 350-day growing season, which is sufficient.

What is the best month to plant Watermelon in Zone 11b?

The best time to start Watermelon in Zone 11b is Dec. Begin seeds indoors around Dec 18, then transplant outdoors after the last frost date of Jan 15.

What companion plants grow well with Watermelon?

Good companion plants for Watermelon include Corn, Nasturtiums, Marigolds, Radishes. Avoid planting Watermelon near Potatoes, Cucumbers.

How long does Watermelon take to harvest?

Watermelon takes approximately 90 days from planting to harvest. In Zone 11b, expect your first harvest around Apr 14.

Plan Your Watermelon Garden

Track Watermelon from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.

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