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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03 Jan 09, Sarina (Australia - temperate climate)
The fruit on my vine seems to have stopped growing- the biggest is about 20cmx4cm and its been this size for 4 weeks or more. The other vines have small fruit but also not really growing. Any hints?
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20 Dec 08, Paige (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My watermellons are in full swing and I have one that was the size of a marble two days ago and now sits snuggly in the palm of your hand. Its running across the ground, but we have strawberries and its getting into the hay and the strawberry plants. Will this effect my watermellons?
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16 Dec 08, gareth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
hi i have just been out back and planted some watermelon what type of soil do they need how much room do they take and anything eles i may need ti know
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09 Dec 08, bern (Australia - temperate climate)
my watermelon vine is growing well, although i don't have a lot of fruit. How can I increase the produce?
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08 Dec 08, Soheil Taheri (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Will you please tell me how to identify wild watermelon vines from planted seeds before waiting for the vine to produce fruit and mature. For instance, is there a distinct difference between the leaves? Thank you, Soheil Taheri.
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06 Dec 08, JC (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How fun is growing your own fruit and veg?!?!??! I am wishing to find out how to contain a watermelon patch? They are spreading like wildfire and would like to know how to prune without risking the plant? THANKS!
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29 Nov 08, Rosie (Australia - temperate climate)
Emma - mine also took a lonnng time to pop up and then just sat as little seedlings for what seemed like forever - they are now starting to take off. I have three plants that are on the same mound and they are looking good.
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27 Nov 08, Emma (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I planted some seeds over 3 months ago (not having done any research before) in my small vegie avery and a week ago the seedlings have poped up so I gather its because our temps are between 27 and 35 here most days. The seedlings are all in one area someone has told me to seperate them but when I did that last time with pumpkin seedlings almost all died even though I did it with care. If I leave them where they currently are will they survive and poduce fruit? or should I risk it and move them?
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20 Nov 08, Rosie (Australia - temperate climate)
Ahhhh!!! Thanks Chris - the temps are still a little low at night..
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16 Nov 08, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Rosie, maybe your nights aren't warm enough yet? They grow best with days 20-35C and night temperatures over 18C.
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Showing 341 - 350 of 353 comments
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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

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