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

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.
21 Oct 20, Modiba matee john (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
HI which watermelon variety or hybrid is larger and sweet?
23 Oct 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Check on the internet for size - seed companies.
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
03 Sep 20, Kay (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What fertiliser is best for watermelons?
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.
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.
04 Sep 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Just look for a general garden fertiliser. There is not that much difference in them
16 Jul 20, Jodie (USA - Zone 9b climate)
My grandkids want to grow watermelon with the seeds from a fresh watermelon. It's mid July and we're in zone 9b in the Arizona desert. Thank you in advance. Happy planting!
23 Jul 20, colleen (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Fun project! Be aware that seeds might be sterile from a store-bought melon (and likely won't be true to seed). But worth a shot for the surprise factor, I think. They should try the paper towel sprouting method to test viability. If seeds sprout, get them in the ground by August and there should still be time for fruits. They'll need plenty of water in hot weather (mulch helps too).
Showing 81 - 90 of 350 comments

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

- mark

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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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