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
30 Jun 13, Anja (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You need bees to pollinate watermelon
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Nov 12, Geoff (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi James.. Watermelons are self pollinating, so only one plant is needed, unless you are growing seedless melons which require a pollinator.
Reply or Post a new comment
29 Sep 12, michael (Australia - tropical climate)
why in my garden the watermelons are not growing ????please anwser back thank you
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Sep 12, Rod (Australia - temperate climate)
what is compatibale to grow with watermelon?
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Sep 12, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Not 100% sure of watermelon but pumpkin, squash and cucumber like sweet corn. All the best.
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Jun 12, Elmer Patiag (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi, Just want to ask where can I buy watermelon seed?
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Oct 12, Chantelle (Australia - temperate climate)
Watermelon seeds can be bought at most nurseries,a hardware giant eg. Bunnings (where I got mine and are good with seeds) a good 2 dollar shop, a hardware store, or a discount superstore eg. Kmart, target. hope this helps
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Mar 12, Raelene (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi my friend has a watermelon plant that has gone berserk vine-ing everywhere. Only thing there are lots of flowers and bees have been seen to hover over them but no fruit as yet. How can we tell which are male / female flowers? I can't find any "bulbing" as in female pumpkin flowers but when I touch the middle of the flowers no pollen comes away so I don't think that's the male...
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Jan 12, Scott (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, I live on a farm near Port Macquarie NSW North Coast and thinking of planting some Garlic beds.I have just started and really enjoying some success.When do you recommend I start planting Garlic
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Jan 12, Bec (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Plant on the shortest day of the year (june) harvest on the longest day (dec). Works every year.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 271 - 280 of 353 comments
See comments for all plants

Most veges just need an all round fertiliser. Leafy veges a bit more N, fruity/root veges a bit more P/ K. Read up about what N P K does in the soil. that will determine what you put on. But it is impossible to go and buy 20 different fertilisers for 20 different plants. I buy the same fertiliser to fertilise all my vegetable, lawn and shrubs. Also look at crop rotation. A leafy crop will take the N out, so you might plant a root crop after. When plants are very small they need a light watering each day, as they grow you can water less often but put more water on. Plants half grown need watering each 2-3 days. The amount depends on how big that plant grows. You would water lettuce a lot less than 1.8m high tomatoes. I water 3 days a week.

- anon

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.