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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08 Mar 21, Lannu (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I bought a melon plant from bunnings and I'm planting it separated from another plants for a good grow but this is the 4th week and it's only a foot long now the growth. So I'm not sure if it's normal I thought it should be fast growing like pumpkin plants? Please waiting for your response.
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09 Mar 21, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
You are probably at the end of the growing season for watermelons. You can either persevere and hope it grows or pull it out and plant something in season.
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03 Jan 21, EMC (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Anyone have tips if watermelon would work down in Invercargill? Would love to grow some fruits down here, but can't be tree based types. Rather tight on funds so cheaper is always better, but also happy for advice as well.
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05 Jan 21, A (New Zealand - temperate climate)
EMC it is there at the top of the watermelon page for NZ temperate climates when to plant. They grow along the ground and buy some seeds from a seed selling website or shop selling seeds.
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21 Oct 20, Modiba matee john (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
HI which watermelon variety or hybrid is larger and sweet?
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23 Oct 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Check on the internet for size - seed companies.
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19 Oct 20, Mokone Mahlatsi (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi my question is I plant Carolina crosse watermelon it growing very well but the problem is not sweetheart y ? Thank you
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03 Sep 20, Kay (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What fertiliser is best for watermelons?
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08 Sep 20, Danlo Troth (Australia - temperate climate)
My grandfather was always using old n dry cow poo. Just make sure to really dig it in and mix well into the dirt.
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09 Sep 20, Anonymous (Australia - arid climate)
Old dried out cow poo has probably lost a lot of it's nutrient value, leached out with gravity and rain etc. Any manures need to be made into a compost material asap to retain as much of the nutrient as possible. Or you dig it into your soil over 6-12 weeks and with air water and turning it, it breaks down into the soil. The greatest benefit of organic material put back into the soil is it makes the soil loose and friable, which means it then drains well.
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Showing 71 - 80 of 343 comments
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Watermelons are like pumpkins and do well with plenty of manure and water. Before you plant them dig a hole as deep as you can without going into the hard clay. Put some old newspapers or denim jeans in the bottom of the hole and then add as much old rotted animal manure and household scraps into the hole. Cover the hole in the the topsoil leaving a mound. When it is time to plant the seeds in the mound and give them a good watering. Your watermelons will grow well and the newspaper or old jeans will help hold water.

- John

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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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