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

27 Dec 18, Leon Brand (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We are in Brisbane. Our watermelons start well but when the fruit gets to about rockmelon size the ends (opposite to the stem) starts to go back and soft. Our soil ph seems ok (about 6.8 with a Bunnings ph probe). I heard the problem may be a lack of calcium? Shall I work lime into the soil before trying again? Thanks in advance. By the way, beetroot is doing very well in the same area as the watermelon, and a few months ago we had a good egg plant crop in a nearby bed.
05 Jan 19, Mike Logan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try planting them earlier - late August.
05 Jan 19, Mike Logan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try some Epsom Salts - buy it in the supermarket or nursery.
18 Nov 18, Lorraine Johnstone (Australia - temperate climate)
We have been advised to grow and eat yellow watermelons. This actually means blending the entire melon, skin, etc as well, and drink/eat. It's apparently very good for you. Plan to take out the pips and dry them. Has anyone done this, or can anyone please advise how to go about growing? I am awaiting receipt of the seeds. Thanks in advance.
18 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Difference between red and yellow - yellow is sweeter and red has heaps of antioxidants - yellow has little or none. Melons are grown in the spring - in sub tropical and temperate you would be picking them now to mid Jan. You can also grow them late summer into autumn - don't taste as good I reckon. The skin can be used for pickling and relish. If you really need whatever is in the yellow you may need to source it from somewhere else as you would only have melons for a few months of the year. Read up about growing them.
04 Apr 18, Sandy saunders (Australia - tropical climate)
Bought watermelon in bunbury recently will these plant still grow in bunbury climate
14 Apr 18, (Canada - Zone 3b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I wanted to start greenhouse & I am following www.agricultureguruji.com blog for greenhouse please help me which crop suitable for me in greenhouse
05 Apr 18, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Give it a go. Probably too late now. Plant next Sept/Oct.
09 Mar 18, Justin .C (Australia - temperate climate)
I have planted 2 watermelons in early summer & they produced 3 good sized fruits, 2 are still on the vine & now the vine is sending out lots of runners with numerous fruits which I have pollinated, it's now early Autumn. Will these fruits mature or does the vine die off once the cooler weather starts?
11 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Let them grow they probably will produce fruit but probably not as good as the first 3. Yes the plants will die back some time.
Showing 51 - 60 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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