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 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

18 Feb 18, Lynn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have tomatoes growing with a watermelon vine. The watermelon is doing well, but the tomatoes’ leaves are growing distorted. Does anyone know about interplanting these two crops? Should I pull the tomatoes out?
20 Feb 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus went through southern Qld back in 2009 or so. It has probably spread far wider by now. The leaf is like your hand with the fingers still curled in. The leaf doesn't open out and grow. The plant becomes stunted. Caused by the silver winged fly. Look it up on the internet. It can be stopped with a soap spray. If no success pull it out and put in rubbish bin. It wiped out the tomato growing industry in Bundaberg.
16 Feb 18, david harris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
had any one have black water melon seeds for sale -
19 Feb 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Internet seed selling companies - Boondie is one. $1 for a few.
01 Sep 17, Coccinelle (Australia - temperate climate)
I have 1m square veg boxes. In one I've only planted a few pumpkin seedlings. Can i use the rest of the space to grow watermelon? Will they be compatible?
04 Sep 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
In that space, you will only be able to grow 1 or 2 pumpkin or watermelon vines. Both require a lot of room.
04 Sep 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
A 1 square meter garden would only support about1- 2 pumpkin plants. Or only 1-2 water melons. About 3-4 cucumber plants. Just think how big the plants will grow and how much nutrient they will require.
17 Aug 17, Rodney A Dwight (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What is the best soil condition water Mellon grow in was and best time to sow
18 Aug 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Sub tropical - plant them now. If frost is a problem grow in a pot for awhile. Water melons are usually picked before Xmas. Any reasonable soil - not a heavy clay or very sandy. Read up about how to grow them - google it. Plenty of water.
25 Feb 17, Michael Mizzi (Australia - temperate climate)
I tried to grow water melons but my vines never produce any fruit,, yes no fruit,, I have planted heaps of seeds all over my yard in different positions and I have watched the water melon vines grow very big and spread everywhere but the vines never grow any fruit what am I doing wrong. I have used mulchand compost in the soil I have prepared the soil properly with the appropriate top soil and cow manure,, please help me,, thanks Michael
Showing 61 - 70 of 173 comments

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.