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
25 Feb 13, Lachlan (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, Gillian.... The RIGHT fertiliser for growing any fruit beautifully would be "MIRACLE" brand fertiliser ...You can easily get them from Bunnings.....Good LucK!!!
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Oct 14, Shaun (Australia - temperate climate)
Compost is much better than fertiliser for melons, marrows and cucurbits. Fertiliser actually depletes the soil of life and is generally over applied to veggie beds and either stunts plants or burns by trying to force them too much. Your edible plants will always flourish in good quality compost, especially water melons.
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Jan 10, Kaye (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My melons are only getting to the size of a walnut and then dying. What is the problem please?
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Aug 09, Jenny (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
how many watermelon types are there?
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Aug 09, kym (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
is there any chance of getting seedless watermelon plants?
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Jul 09, prue (Australia - temperate climate)
how many watermelons do you get from one plant?
Reply or Post a new comment
11 May 09, Crystal (Australia - temperate climate)
I have experienced growing watermelons and whoever told you that when the closest leave dies the melon is ready is right. Also, they take about 5-6 months to grow if you want big, juicy watermelons.
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Apr 09, Nathalie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I've been told that when the closest leaf dies the melon is ready to be picked. This is the same for all vine veggies and fruits. I have found that this 'rule' works
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Apr 09, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Remi, April is too late for melon and pumpkin in Melbourne. They need a long growing season (especially melon) and need starting in spring.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Apr 09, Remi (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, I live in Melbourne and it is early April and my family and I have started growing a vegie-patch and would like to know - is this the right time to start growing watermelon and pumkin?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 321 - 330 of 350 comments
See comments for all plants

I have a similar problem were the fruit has got to a certain size and then stopped growing ?

- mark

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.