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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
05 Jun 17, daphney (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
good day, Teboho i need assistant on growin watermelon please contact me on 0762666393 and assist
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Oct 16, kelvin mutisya (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
which varieties of watermelon can do best in semi arid areas
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Oct 16, kwakhe (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Water melon seeds What is the spacing in between when I planting them
Reply or Post a new comment
06 May 16, Dale (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
www.livingseeds.co.za is a great online seed company for all melon types.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 May 16, Susan Zulu (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where in Johannesburg can I buy water melon seeds?
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Apr 16, Marinda (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I am looking for yellow watermelon seeds, where can I find it, in Johannesburg?
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Feb 16, NIGEL BROWN (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
when and how many times can I spray with pesticides all my fruit are being stang by some I think a fruit fly.i dit spry with.makhro kemprin fruit fly&general insecticides and knox worm on gowing problem .it happen with all my pumpkin and squash.cucumbers
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Feb 16, yvan de groeve (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
is it possible to plant water melon in other time as here priscribed ?
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Feb 16, Sue (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I'm grew watermelon in my garden, it started growing but now the leaves are turning from green to yellowish brown. Does it need a lot of water or not , please let me know.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Yellowing leaves are a sign of nitrogen deficiency. Fertilize with cow manure. If your watermelon plant has yellow leaves and the fruits are beginning to rot, Southern blight may be to blame. There is nothing you can do for Fusarium Wilt but remove the plant from the garden.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 51 - 60 of 77 comments
See comments for all plants

am in north canterbury, growing watermelon in glasshouse, didnt have success outdoors, but one in glasshouse has 5 melons of different sizes on it so hopeful , one getting quite large

- Lea

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.