Growing Watermelon

Cucurbitaceae c. lanatus : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
            S S S S    
T               T T T T
                P P P  

(Best months for growing Watermelon in Australia - sub-tropical 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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22 Jul 13, neville (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
what can i use for fruitflies?
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27 Sep 13, Brendan (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Did you know? • Fennel repels flies and fleas. • Thyme and dill repel cabbage moth. • Rosemary repels leafhoppers, aphids and caterpillars. • Mint is vulnerable to caterpillar attacks but repels many other insects. • Wormwood repels fruit fly. • Tarragon helps repel snails. • Garlic repels many insects.
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Showing 81 - 82 of 82 comments
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Hi. Watermelons don't need much water at all. If you've ever been to W.A., you'll see them growing on the side of the road. They, like all melons, store water in the melon bit. They grow a bit bigger with more water, but don't need excessive water at all. They can get weak if you do so, and rot, or become easy prey for burrowing bugs. If you just water them normally, you will get more melons, and better tasting. Hope this helps.

- adam

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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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