Growing Watermelon

Cucurbitaceae c. lanatus : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S S     S S        
      T T     T T      
      P       P P      

(Best months for growing Watermelon in USA - Zone 10b 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 21°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 60 - 75 cm 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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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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08 May 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 3b climate)
Ground.
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30 Apr 23, Sam (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I’m in zone 10a Rialto ca and I’m wondering if it’s too late to start my watermelon seedling this is my first time ever planting something and I have many many many seeds of multiple vegetables and I have no idea when to start my seeds
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26 May 24, Lee (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I am in zone 10a & 10b. Last year I started my watermelons on memorial day, not intentionally, and they grew really well. Today is memorial weekend and I'm planting mine now. I wouldn't say wait on purpose, I just moved so I had to wait, it never hurts to try. Because it was so late in the year, last year, I only planted 6 watermelon seeds in the ground and 5 produced. 4 of them had 4 watermelons and 1 of them had 3. I feel like these areas are capable of growing things almost year round regardless of the suggested planting time.
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08 May 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Each vegetable here has a planting guide for each climate zone. Find your zone in the top bar and check the planting calendar for watermelon.
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02 Oct 22, Charles (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I want to know how best l can grow water melons in Summer under irrigation.
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03 Oct 22, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Irrigate regularly. 2-3 times a week. Small amounts when plant are small then increase the water as they grow.
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28 Sep 22, Garry (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello there,just wondering if I can grow watermelon and rockmelon close together. Thanks Garry.
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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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