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 Sep 12, Rod (Australia - temperate climate)
what is compatibale to grow with watermelon?
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12 Sep 12, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Not 100% sure of watermelon but pumpkin, squash and cucumber like sweet corn. All the best.
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12 Jun 12, Elmer Patiag (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi, Just want to ask where can I buy watermelon seed?
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14 Oct 12, Chantelle (Australia - temperate climate)
Watermelon seeds can be bought at most nurseries,a hardware giant eg. Bunnings (where I got mine and are good with seeds) a good 2 dollar shop, a hardware store, or a discount superstore eg. Kmart, target. hope this helps
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06 Mar 12, Raelene (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi my friend has a watermelon plant that has gone berserk vine-ing everywhere. Only thing there are lots of flowers and bees have been seen to hover over them but no fruit as yet. How can we tell which are male / female flowers? I can't find any "bulbing" as in female pumpkin flowers but when I touch the middle of the flowers no pollen comes away so I don't think that's the male...
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11 Jan 12, Scott (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, I live on a farm near Port Macquarie NSW North Coast and thinking of planting some Garlic beds.I have just started and really enjoying some success.When do you recommend I start planting Garlic
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21 Jan 12, Bec (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Plant on the shortest day of the year (june) harvest on the longest day (dec). Works every year.
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08 Jan 12, julie (Australia - arid climate)
can anybody please explain why would watermelon plants would be pale in appearance. They have been watered frequently and fed every 4-6 weeks. Regards Julie
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10 Nov 11, Nick. L-S (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi folks, I'm looking for a good variety suited to manly nsw climate. That is to say, coastal, temperate/sub tropical.
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15 Aug 11, Linda Black (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What variety of watermelon will grow best in Ballina NSW. Do you know any suppliers of these seeds around this area? Thanks Linda
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Showing 101 - 110 of 171 comments
See comments for all plants

Difference between red and yellow - yellow is sweeter and red has heaps of antioxidants - yellow has little or none. Melons are grown in the spring - in sub tropical and temperate you would be picking them now to mid Jan. You can also grow them late summer into autumn - don't taste as good I reckon. The skin can be used for pickling and relish. If you really need whatever is in the yellow you may need to source it from somewhere else as you would only have melons for a few months of the year. Read up about growing them.

- Mike

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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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