When to Plant Watermelon in Panola County, TX
Watermelon is a sprawling vine crop that produces sweet, juicy fruits in hot weather. Varieties range from personal-sized icebox types to 50-pound giants.
Panola County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.
At an elevation of 216 feet, Panola County receives approximately 68.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Watermelon may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Watermelon will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Watermelon root diseases.
Panola County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Watermelon to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 4 watermelon plants in about 8 sq ft. In Panola County's 246-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Watermelon Planting Timeline — Panola County, TX
Watermelon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jul 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
246 days in Panola County
Growing Tips for Panola County
Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks early or direct sow after soil is warm. Plant on mounds with plenty of space. Check ripeness by looking for a yellow ground spot and dull thump when tapped.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Watermelon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Watermelon in Panola County, TX?
Panola County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Watermelon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Panola County, TX?
Panola County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 14.
Your Panola County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Panola County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.