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

Your comments and tips

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24 Jun 19, Mike (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Is 8th July fine for planting in Bochum?
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04 May 19, Patrck (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I am in Limpopp can I plant watermelom in May lts hot during the day and cold during the night
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28 Jun 19, sello (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
no , try it in mid august , im from gauteng , we have almost the same weather pattern.
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30 Apr 19, bella (Australia - temperate climate)
it doesn't have any sowing depth or distance or the proper months to plant
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30 Apr 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Look up individual plants e.g. /www.gardenate.com/plant/Watermelon?zone=2 for information on planting etc.
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16 Mar 19, alastair (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I am going to try growing them in a glasshouse with heated soil . Are there any varieties more suited to this approach?
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07 Mar 19, Lea (New Zealand - temperate climate)
am in north canterbury, growing watermelon in glasshouse, didnt have success outdoors, but one in glasshouse has 5 melons of different sizes on it so hopeful , one getting quite large
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10 Nov 19, Krystal (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Lea, I’m in Rangiora. I’ve got some beautiful watermelon seedlings growing. So glad I’ve come across your post as I was going to plant outdoors. How did your watermelon end up going in the glasshouse? Will you grow again?
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01 Mar 19, Lemeze Hartley (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can watermelon seeds be planted in March as its still very warm in Cape Town
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13 Mar 19, Donovan (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Yes you may but there's a good chance that the seeds will take longer to sprout or not sprout at all. I still think it's worth taking a chance. I'm seeding mine in Saturday and hope for the best.
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I have a similar problem were the fruit has got to a certain size and then stopped growing ?

- mark

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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.
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