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 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
23 Jun 21, (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Probably too late.
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Jun 21, Val Tanguilig (Australia - tropical climate)
What varieties of water melons are best for winter growing at Carnarvon area, Western Australia? Thanks heaps!
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Mar 21, Sonke (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Is it possible to plant or sow seeds in my region now in March ,Humid subtropical region..
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Mar 21, (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Check the monthly planting guide here. Better to plant in the spring.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Mar 21, Lannu (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I bought a melon plant from bunnings and I'm planting it separated from another plants for a good grow but this is the 4th week and it's only a foot long now the growth. So I'm not sure if it's normal I thought it should be fast growing like pumpkin plants? Please waiting for your response.
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Mar 21, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
You are probably at the end of the growing season for watermelons. You can either persevere and hope it grows or pull it out and plant something in season.
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Jan 21, EMC (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Anyone have tips if watermelon would work down in Invercargill? Would love to grow some fruits down here, but can't be tree based types. Rather tight on funds so cheaper is always better, but also happy for advice as well.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Jan 21, A (New Zealand - temperate climate)
EMC it is there at the top of the watermelon page for NZ temperate climates when to plant. They grow along the ground and buy some seeds from a seed selling website or shop selling seeds.
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Oct 20, Modiba matee john (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
HI which watermelon variety or hybrid is larger and sweet?
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Oct 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Check on the internet for size - seed companies.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 71 - 80 of 347 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.