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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31 Jan 10, devo (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
im growing baby watermelons (orange) in a pot for the first time and they are about the size of an egg at the moment how big do they grow and when should they be picked.the growing guide seems very vague !!
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15 Jan 10, Gillian (Australia - temperate climate)
i am a first time watermelon grower and i can say wow, the plant (1 only) is going wild. Does anyone have tips on right fertiliser/care
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25 Feb 13, Lachlan (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, Gillian.... The RIGHT fertiliser for growing any fruit beautifully would be "MIRACLE" brand fertiliser ...You can easily get them from Bunnings.....Good LucK!!!
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23 Oct 14, Shaun (Australia - temperate climate)
Compost is much better than fertiliser for melons, marrows and cucurbits. Fertiliser actually depletes the soil of life and is generally over applied to veggie beds and either stunts plants or burns by trying to force them too much. Your edible plants will always flourish in good quality compost, especially water melons.
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06 Jan 10, Kaye (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My melons are only getting to the size of a walnut and then dying. What is the problem please?
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23 Aug 09, Jenny (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
how many watermelon types are there?
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16 Aug 09, kym (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
is there any chance of getting seedless watermelon plants?
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30 Jul 09, prue (Australia - temperate climate)
how many watermelons do you get from one plant?
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11 May 09, Crystal (Australia - temperate climate)
I have experienced growing watermelons and whoever told you that when the closest leave dies the melon is ready is right. Also, they take about 5-6 months to grow if you want big, juicy watermelons.
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13 Apr 09, Nathalie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I've been told that when the closest leaf dies the melon is ready to be picked. This is the same for all vine veggies and fruits. I have found that this 'rule' works
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Showing 141 - 150 of 171 comments
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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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