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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
02 Jan 16, susan (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Wanting to know are you able to eat all of the melon, skin, white and red.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Mar 17, damian levvell (Australia - tropical climate)
yes as long as no insects have eaten it
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Mar 16, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
yes
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Nov 15, Kgabo Simon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi All, I would like to know where i can purchase watermelon in Lephalale Limpopo. Please send me the name of the farm and contact details Thank You
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Aug 15, TIISETSO TSUELLE (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Which fertilizer may i us to the soil before i plant watermellon OR is kraal manure (cow dung ) correct to use?
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Aug 15, TIISETSO TSUELLE (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
When to plant for december harvest? Distance between plants?
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Aug 15, Peter du Preez (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
The soil here is extremely sandy so we make compost and loosen the soil (basically make a hole for seedlings and enrich it with 300ml of compost). I've never planted watermelons and would like to (cabbage and radish work wonderfully here). What irrigation is better - overhead or drip? How much water per day/week? (we plant without wastage). Is it okay if I use mulch - we do it for everything else to preserve the soil. It gets to about 45C in summer... is that okay?
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Jun 15, Stig (Australia - temperate climate)
It could be a pie melon . My mum use to make pineapple and melon jam .... very nice (google the recipe .. very easy to make) cheers Stig
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Jun 15, robert (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i found some plants along a train line that have fruit that looks just like watermelon on the outside and inside it is greenish but still smells and tastes like watermelon so what is it and if i got seeds from the fruit will it grow
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Jun 15, Marcel (Australia - temperate climate)
Wouldn't be able to confirm with out a photo but it's probably paddy melon. It's a weed and it grows through out Australia and California. The fruit and foliage are toxic due to it containing cucurbitacin (so stop eating it). It's been responsible for a lot of live stock deaths through out australia. But if you want to grow it for ornamental reason it will positively grow from seeds. Be warned but, it is extremely invasive and will easily take over your garden. It's only real use for humans has been as an emetic. Have fun haha Happy days
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 231 - 240 of 353 comments
See comments for all plants

I have done watermelon seeds in September month & they have come up & r doing well so har. When is the best time to plant them in the ground they r about 1 inch high each I have 4 of them

- Tracy smith

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.