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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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.
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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.
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02 Jan 16, michael (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I want to ask where and which farm can I buy water melons in lephalale, and the unit price. I will be please if u respond.thank you
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17 Nov 15, Kgabo Simon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi All, I would like to know where i can purchase watermelon in Lephalale Limpopo. Please send me the name of the farm and contact details Thank You
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31 Aug 15, TIISETSO TSUELLE (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Which fertilizer may i us to the soil before i plant watermellon OR is kraal manure (cow dung ) correct to use?
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11 Aug 15, TIISETSO TSUELLE (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
When to plant for december harvest? Distance between plants?
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30 Jan 15, Mohamed (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Good day I would like to know where to purchase watermellon seeds from South Africa. I used To buy for Mozambique but now in Saudia Arabia .i know that South African seeds are good . Thank you
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28 May 14, joe (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I would like to plant watermelons early July in the Limpopo valley can I do it , for the temp is around 19-28 ? Should I plant this directly or start by planting in seed trays ?
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05 Jan 15, Pieter (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi Joe, early Jul is a bit risky as you can still get black frost. Farmers around Lephalale push the planting date - Sometimes they're lucky.... delivering season first watermelon....
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20 Mar 14, Kerry Porter (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
my Watermelon plant has just started bearing fruit. can the fruit get eaten by bugs or stung? what can i do to prevent this
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Showing 61 - 70 of 79 comments
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I'm growing them for the first time, in Manawatu. So far with the heat and sun we've been having they're doing well. But they'll need a long season, so fingers crossed. My first transplant died in the wind, so shelter is important, in Wellington too :-)

- Uta

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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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