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 5b 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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20 Jan 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Probably the best thing to do is to buy heritage seeds that have been listed as originating in short season climates like Canada and the northern USA. They have a much shorter growing season. The other alternative is to wait until 2 or maybe 3 melons have formed and then cut all subsequent runners off to give the plant the most to put into those 2 or 3 melons. Trust this helps.
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05 Jan 17, Teboho (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
If you do not have access to cow manure, but nitrogen rich fertilizers or otherwise, pour a mixture of 2 water and 1 urine on the plan roots...it has worked for me for more than five years
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05 Jun 17, daphney (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
good day, Teboho i need assistant on growin watermelon please contact me on 0762666393 and assist
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25 Oct 16, kelvin mutisya (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
which varieties of watermelon can do best in semi arid areas
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03 Oct 16, kwakhe (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Water melon seeds What is the spacing in between when I planting them
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27 Jul 16, jade walters (Australia - temperate climate)
watermelons are the best fruit I have ever had
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12 Jul 16, Vuyo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where do I find seeds of watermelon, and how do i take care of my cabbadge it does not grow to a big size what chemicals can I use
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06 May 16, Dale (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
www.livingseeds.co.za is a great online seed company for all melon types.
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04 May 16, Susan Zulu (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where in Johannesburg can I buy water melon seeds?
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18 Apr 16, Ulanda Schmulian (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Try ordering yellow watermelon seeds from Livingseeds. Their service is amazing: They stock a good selection of watermelon varieties.
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Showing 221 - 230 of 359 comments
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Hi, You need to get your seeds from a repretable organinc supplier, the watermellon is a tropical plant so growing it in your airing cupboard is not a bad idea, a glasss house too should be benifitial in summer. the seeds need to be dried then planted in seed mix.once they have grown to planting size, grow them in good compost, I am trying to go over to a no did policy. My watermellons did no good last year. but as I said they are tropical fruit and grow better in Queensland and the N.T. than Vic,but a good summer helps

- Susan Chambers

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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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