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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02 Oct 22, Charles (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I want to know how best l can grow water melons in Summer under irrigation.
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03 Oct 22, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Irrigate regularly. 2-3 times a week. Small amounts when plant are small then increase the water as they grow.
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02 Aug 21, Thembisile (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy watermelon seeds? I'm in Swaziland. Thanks
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01 Mar 24, Gagu (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
You can buy seeds at SAS in Manzini,Nami ngiwatsenge khona
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03 Nov 23, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Try www.livingseeds.co.za
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19 Aug 21, Dipolelo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I kept few seeds from a watermelon I enjoyed in January. I'm going to plant them next month. I'm so looking forward. I'm in GP.
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06 Aug 21, Anon (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
try an agricultural shop.
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09 Mar 21, Sonke (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Is it possible to plant or sow seeds in my region now in March ,Humid subtropical region..
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10 Mar 21, (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Check the monthly planting guide here. Better to plant in the spring.
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21 Oct 20, Modiba matee john (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
HI which watermelon variety or hybrid is larger and sweet?
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Showing 11 - 20 of 82 comments
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Climate must be a big factor with water melons, Mike. We'll never get an overnight low of less than 24C in summer, and rarely get one under 18C in what we call winter, so I'm going to try growing them all year round. Evidently Darwin soils are very poor because nutrients get leached from them by the heavy rain during the wet season so I'm learning how to counter that. Having never been a gardener, the water melon experience has spurred me into action and today I'll be planting some papaya and guavas. I don't think the traditional favourites like plums and peaches can be grown up here but I'm looking into it. I do remember a particular plum from my childhood (50+ years ago!) called a greengage; they were green when ripe, and sweet. Has anyone on here ever grown them?

- Grahame B

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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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