Growing Watermelon

Cucurbitaceae c. lanatus : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      S S              
        T T            
        P P            

(Best months for growing Watermelon in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 70°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 24 - 30 inches apart
  • Harvest in 12-17 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, Sunflowers
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes
  • Mature watermelon
  • Melon flower
  • Watermelon

Large, round or oval, smooth green skinned, delicious, sweet pink fleshed melon.

Some have stripes on the skin.

Some varieties will produce fruit up to 14 kg (31 US pounds).

Harvest when the part in contact with the ground is turning yellow and the fruit sounds hollow when tapped.

Watermelon needs plenty of room to grow as it sends out long vines

Needs a long warm season to mature.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Watermelon

Cut up and eat in slices.
Use to make fruit drinks.
Use in fruit salads.

Your comments and tips

12 Sep 24, Dorothy Sinclair (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi, I stay in Witbank, Mmpumalnga, South Africa. Which fertilizer can I use to help my watermelons grow well? Thank you Dorothy
24 Jul 24, Eric (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Caregiver can I plant watermelons in November or December zone 9
21 Sep 24, Gerald (USA - Zone 7a climate)
You can 'grow' them but it is highly unlikely they will bear fruit. You may get lovely little yellow flowers but as I said, no fruit. IF you have the ability to start them early indoors they sprout and grow quickly. Remember they need at least 12 full weeks of full sun to bear fruit. Either way these are easy to grow and will supply you with a beautiful lush green vine. It is easy. Have fun, I did! (zone 7 here, lush vines, sweet little flowers, alas, no fruit). Good Luck, Gerry
27 Jul 24, Rich (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I do not think it will get warm enough to grow until late spring through to Oct. in Zone 9b
23 Jul 24, Modise Moeketsane (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can i start planting watermelon now??
24 Jul 24, Janene (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
September to November is the best time for your zone
18 May 24, Lea (Australia - temperate climate)
Can watermelon seeds be left in the ground once plant dies off . Never tried planting watermelon before and not a huge success so far
28 May 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
For best results it is best to plant seeds when they suggest.
09 May 24, (USA - Zone 7a climate)
7
11 Mar 24, Lea (Australia - temperate climate)
How long do they take from seed
Showing 1 - 10 of 349 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Watermelon

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.