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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16 Nov 08, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Matt, a combination of things indicate when the melons are ripe: The light green tendrils on the stem near the point of attachment of the melon turn brown and dry, the skin of the fruit turns dull, the skin becomes hard to penetrate with a thumbnail and feels rough, and the bottom of the melon (where it lies on the soil) turns from light green to yellowish.
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14 Nov 08, Rosie (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I live just south of Perth and have planted organic watermelon seeds, the seedlings seem to be taking a lonnnnggg time to get bigger. They are planted on mounds and i have improved the soil (read sand) but am thinking maybe i did not improve it enough?? I am a newby having just turned into a garden nut, any help would be appreciated. Thanks
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10 Mar 08, Matt Rieck (Unknown climate)
I planted some watermelon seeds about 6 months age and they are still not ripe. Green inside. They are still attached to the vine and the attachment is still green. The bottom is a pale slightly yellow. The crop has yielded around 100 melons and a mediun sized one weights 14 kgs. I have no option but to leave them growing till the vine falls off. Is this a good solution Regards Matt
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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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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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