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 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
06 Jan 18, khalil (USA - Zone 12a climate)
hi, please i need best F1 watermelon, tomato, cucumber & squash seeds growing well in USDA Zones 11b - 12a ( very hot climates and dry ) thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Jul 17, Mariam (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I stay near Orlando. I planted some watermelon seeds in a pot inside my house few days ago. Now 2 of them are growing in the pot. Then I don't know should I take the pot out and put it in the yard or keep it at home to grow. Also the pot is small, should I take the baby plants out and plant them in the yard? Thanks for your help.
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Apr 14, (USA - Zone 8b climate)
What kind of watermelon should i plant Ib 8 b
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Jun 13, Mike Enis (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Forget about thumping a melon and listening for a hollow sound. Where the stem of the melon comes off the vine there will be a small tendril. When this tendril dries up and turns brown, and the bottom of the melon has turned from white to a yellowish cream color, wait two to three days then harvest your melon. It will be perfectly ripe. Guaranteed!
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Nov 16, Amanda (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Thank you. That's good info.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Mar 11, TERRY (USA - Zone 8b climate)
this will be my first time to try. i have a couple of old tires at home. my grandsons want to plant a garden. can i plant the cucumbers and watermelons in them.
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Mar 18, Dann Ferrin (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Heck give it a try nothing gambeled nothing gained
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 41 - 47 of 47 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Watermelon

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.