When to plant watermelon in Missouri
Missouri spans USDA zones 5b–7b, so the right time to plant watermelon shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about April 2 in Sikeston to April 28 in Kirksville — below are local dates for 87 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | 6b | April 4 | November 2 | April 11 – April 18 |
| St. Louis | 7a | April 1 | November 4 | April 8 – April 15 |
| Springfield | 7a | April 4 | October 27 | April 11 – April 18 |
| Columbia | 6b | April 5 | October 31 | April 12 – April 19 |
| Independence | 6b | April 10 | October 27 | April 17 – April 24 |
| Lee's Summit | 6b | April 7 | October 29 | April 14 – April 21 |
| O'Fallon | 6b | April 10 | October 26 | April 17 – April 24 |
| St. Charles | 6b | April 8 | October 29 | April 15 – April 22 |
Watermelon in Missouri: FAQ
When can I plant watermelon in Missouri?
Across Missouri, the time to transplant watermelon spans roughly April 2 in Sikeston to April 28 in Kirksville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the watermelon planting date vary across Missouri?
Yes. Missouri publishes 87 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 Missouri?
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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