When to plant watermelon in Kentucky
Kentucky spans USDA zones 6b–7b, so the right time to plant watermelon shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about April 7 in Shively to May 8 in Shelbyville — below are local dates for 46 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County metro government | 7a | April 6 | November 1 | April 13 – April 20 |
| Lexington-Fayette urban county | 7a | April 13 | October 28 | April 20 – April 27 |
| Bowling Green | 7a | April 5 | October 31 | April 12 – April 19 |
| Owensboro | 7a | April 2 | November 1 | April 9 – April 16 |
| Covington | 6b | April 16 | October 25 | April 23 – April 30 |
| Georgetown | 6b | April 18 | October 23 | April 25 – May 2 |
| Richmond | 7a | April 15 | October 22 | April 22 – April 29 |
| Florence | 6b | April 18 | October 25 | April 25 – May 2 |
Watermelon in Kentucky: FAQ
When can I plant watermelon in Kentucky?
Across Kentucky, the time to transplant watermelon spans roughly April 7 in Shively to May 8 in Shelbyville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the watermelon planting date vary across Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky publishes 46 cities with their own frost dates, so the right watermelon planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does watermelon take to grow in Kentucky?
Watermelon takes about 75–95 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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