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 Dec 23, Olawale Kelani (Canada - Zone 3b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Hi, Please, what is the best time to plant watermelon in New Brumswick, Canada? Thank you.
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04 Oct 23, Anonymous (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
hi, trying to find seeds for the watermelon known as All Sweet Watermelon.
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07 Oct 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You may have to buy from Australia - or try google in NZ
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19 Sep 23, Amanda (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I thought my watermelons had died off but in the beginning of this month (September) they decided to start growing again any chance they will actually survive or am I wasting my time?
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20 Sep 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 8b climate)
It does say plant Feb March.
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12 Sep 23, Zakes (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi. I'm staying in Roodepoort, West of Johannesburg. I'd like to find out what type of watermelons that I can plant in this area. Secondly, what are the biggest and sweetest watermelon type that are suitable for the climate conditions of Roodepoort?. Kind regards Zakes Mahlangu Cell: 082 866 0937 (WhatsApp and Voice)
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14 Sep 23, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Might be best to pick a variety you like.
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05 Sep 23, Babsie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What makes watermelons to be sugarless
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03 Nov 23, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Watermelon is a desert plant and needs full sun. Watermelons need to produce a lot of leaves to make enough sugar to produce sweet fruit. To do this they need a constant supply of water. It could also be to a nutrient deficiency in your soil.
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04 May 23, juan perez (USA - Zone 10a climate)
melons do they grow on the ground or trails
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I plant my carolinacross watermelon on 20nvember 2017 it ryte time or wat?

- mahlatsi j mokone

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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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