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          
      P P P P          

(Best months for growing Watermelon in Australia - 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

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
06 Feb 11, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Do watermelons get blossom end rot? I have a few melons that have a black rotting spot at the end opposite the stem that looks rather like blossom end rot. Is this the case and what can I do?
24 Mar 11, Geoff (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi John.. The black rotton spot occurs when the plant has dried out when it has fruit on it. The vine must have a constant supply of moisture when fruit is growing. Hope this helps
06 Feb 11, Veronika (Australia - temperate climate)
My question is if can be the watermelon plants overwatered? I've got the first fruit beautifully grown for almost the finished size, but the others are seem like going to die before grow to big. I was told that it needs plenty of water. Do I give it too much?
15 May 11, mohmed (Australia - tropical climate)
too much water will make crack on the watermelon don"t over water plant please for your case i think you need Potassium
Showing 111 - 120 of 169 comments

Rosie, maybe your nights aren't warm enough yet? They grow best with days 20-35C and night temperatures over 18C.

- Chris

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