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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16 Feb 18, david harris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
had any one have black water melon seeds for sale -
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19 Feb 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Internet seed selling companies - Boondie is one. $1 for a few.
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01 Sep 17, Coccinelle (Australia - temperate climate)
I have 1m square veg boxes. In one I've only planted a few pumpkin seedlings. Can i use the rest of the space to grow watermelon? Will they be compatible?
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04 Sep 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
In that space, you will only be able to grow 1 or 2 pumpkin or watermelon vines. Both require a lot of room.
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04 Sep 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
A 1 square meter garden would only support about1- 2 pumpkin plants. Or only 1-2 water melons. About 3-4 cucumber plants. Just think how big the plants will grow and how much nutrient they will require.
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17 Aug 17, Rodney A Dwight (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What is the best soil condition water Mellon grow in was and best time to sow
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18 Aug 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Sub tropical - plant them now. If frost is a problem grow in a pot for awhile. Water melons are usually picked before Xmas. Any reasonable soil - not a heavy clay or very sandy. Read up about how to grow them - google it. Plenty of water.
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25 Feb 17, Michael Mizzi (Australia - temperate climate)
I tried to grow water melons but my vines never produce any fruit,, yes no fruit,, I have planted heaps of seeds all over my yard in different positions and I have watched the water melon vines grow very big and spread everywhere but the vines never grow any fruit what am I doing wrong. I have used mulchand compost in the soil I have prepared the soil properly with the appropriate top soil and cow manure,, please help me,, thanks Michael
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05 Dec 17, marylou (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, Have you notice any bees? If you don't then that might be you problem. regards Marylou
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01 Mar 17, Mark (Australia - temperate climate)
With Watermelon, I find the leaner the soil, the better (I grow in a very sandy/gravel soil with great results. In a temperate climate you should get your seeds planted early Spring, and get the seedlings in the ground once the overnight temperatures rise (late Sept/early October) as they need a long Summer season. I'm in S.E.South Oz and grow both Watermelon and Cucumber in abundance. Regular heavy watering in a North facing (full sun) position should do the trick. As Watermelon and Cucumber are the same family, once you start seeing flowers, spray/mist water onto the flowers to promote more growth. Good luck!
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Showing 61 - 70 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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