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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02 Feb 14, Thabo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What causes the watermelons to crack and open up?
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19 Nov 19, anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Too much water.
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02 Feb 14, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Irregular watering or lots of rain just as they ripen will make them split as they suck in a load of water after being dry for a while. Also temperature changes between cold at night and hot in the day - a straw mulch around the melons can help keep the temperatures even.
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03 Jan 14, Gwen (Australia - tropical climate)
I am after seeds of a large round melon with a dark and lighter green skin. With dark yellow to orange flesh. We called them the Champagne Melon. My father grew these when we were very young. I haven't seen these in years only the pale yellow variety. Where would I be able to purchase seeds of these melons and maybe a photo to see if they are the ones. Thank you Gwen
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26 Jul 14, Kerri (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Gwen, we were given Watermelon Champagne seeds as part of a gift of a whole bunch of different seeds for our new vege gardens from my sister in law. They were all from Eden Seeds, located in Qld - www.EdenSeeds.com.au and they are non hybrid, old traditional, open pollinated varieties.
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31 Jan 14, Kayt (Australia - temperate climate)
Diggers Club has a wide range of heirloom watermelon seeds including Champagne Melons
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23 Jan 14, Dean (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Gwen, could it be Cream of Saskatchewan? Look it up at diggers.com.au and you'll see a pic that looks like what you describe, they even refer to the champagne coloured flesh.
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02 Nov 13, To (Australia - temperate climate)
What do I use to fertiliz my watermelon?
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14 Sep 13, Mmoloki Lejowa (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What is the spacing - Between the rows and between the plants
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30 Sep 13, jeanne (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
space 1 meter around the seedling
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Showing 251 - 260 of 350 comments
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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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