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 21°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 60 - 75 cm 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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06 Jan 18, khalil (USA - Zone 12a climate)
hi, please i need best F1 watermelon, tomato, cucumber & squash seeds growing well in USDA Zones 11b - 12a ( very hot climates and dry ) thanks
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26 Jul 17, Mariam (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I stay near Orlando. I planted some watermelon seeds in a pot inside my house few days ago. Now 2 of them are growing in the pot. Then I don't know should I take the pot out and put it in the yard or keep it at home to grow. Also the pot is small, should I take the baby plants out and plant them in the yard? Thanks for your help.
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18 Apr 14, (USA - Zone 8b climate)
What kind of watermelon should i plant Ib 8 b
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22 Jun 13, Mike Enis (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Forget about thumping a melon and listening for a hollow sound. Where the stem of the melon comes off the vine there will be a small tendril. When this tendril dries up and turns brown, and the bottom of the melon has turned from white to a yellowish cream color, wait two to three days then harvest your melon. It will be perfectly ripe. Guaranteed!
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19 Nov 16, Amanda (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Thank you. That's good info.
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25 Mar 11, TERRY (USA - Zone 8b climate)
this will be my first time to try. i have a couple of old tires at home. my grandsons want to plant a garden. can i plant the cucumbers and watermelons in them.
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18 Mar 18, Dann Ferrin (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Heck give it a try nothing gambeled nothing gained
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Showing 41 - 47 of 47 comments
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The guide here says plant Mar April and you want to plant mid July. You will reduce your chances of producing good watermelons by planting out of the recommended guide. Yes it is only a guide here and your local weather pattern will have a big bearing on what kind of melon you produce. General rule of thumb is you plant early spring and then pick early summer for the best melons where I live - Queensland Australia. Read up or watch videos about growing and when to pick melons. It is weeks between the melon forming and being ready to pick.

- Anon

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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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