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

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14 Nov 08, Rosie (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I live just south of Perth and have planted organic watermelon seeds, the seedlings seem to be taking a lonnnnggg time to get bigger. They are planted on mounds and i have improved the soil (read sand) but am thinking maybe i did not improve it enough?? I am a newby having just turned into a garden nut, any help would be appreciated. Thanks
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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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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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