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 S S
T T             T T T T
P               P 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 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

10 Nov 11, Nick. L-S (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi folks, I'm looking for a good variety suited to manly nsw climate. That is to say, coastal, temperate/sub tropical.
15 Aug 11, Linda Black (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What variety of watermelon will grow best in Ballina NSW. Do you know any suppliers of these seeds around this area? Thanks Linda
02 Sep 11, Oli (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have grown the variety Sugar baby succesfuly around Byron Bay. The melons are the best I have ever had, juicy and extremely sweet and they seem to suit warm climates. You can buy the seeds from places like Bunnings or Mitre 10, or if you want organic seeds then there is great supplier called Greenpatch Seeds based in Taree that will post you seeds for $2. Good Luck!
08 Jul 11, Fringe Dweller (Australia - arid climate)
''ýou'll never never know if u don't give it a go" From my expeirence of using wicking beds, as long as u have set up your bed correctly, watermelons should grow successfully,provided they get adequate summer heat. I experienced 46C on the day of the Victorian Black Saturday bushfires, the only vegetable bed that didn't die on that day was the one set up as a wicking bed. I rest my case.
05 Jul 11, Frogdancer (Australia - temperate climate)
Just wondering if planting watermelon in a wicking bed would solve the problem of how much water and when to give it. I'm in the throes of setting up wicking beds and it occurred to me that maybe watermelon would be a crop that would do well. Any thoughts?
01 Aug 11, Phillip (Australia - temperate climate)
@Frogdancer. Every thing grows better in a wicking bed. Perfect watering system.
21 May 11, wayne (Australia - tropical climate)
growing melons is one of the most rewarding task you can do in your garden,but be warned...they will not tolerate, frost.at all.
12 Feb 11, adam (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
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.
25 Jan 18, Martin (Australia - tropical climate)
I want to grow seedless watermelons in Philippines. Typical temps between 25 and 30 c. Humidity 80 to 90%. What I read about germinating tells me I need cooler temp than I ever have. 600 meter elevation, facing southeast
10 Jan 12, julie (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Adam. Thank you for your comment. I may well be overwatering the plants. Will back off on water and see what happens. Regards Julie
Showing 111 - 120 of 173 comments

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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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