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

10 Dec 17, mahlatsi j mokone (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I plant my carolinacross watermelon on 20nvember 2017 it ryte time or wat?
09 Dec 17, Sarah Gumede (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I am in Nkomazi around Nelspruit and I want to plant watermelon. Today is the 10 of December. Where can I get them meaning the seeds. I would like to have the seedless type. Can I still plant them
29 Nov 17, Toni (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Has anyone growen watermelons in Wellington?
28 Dec 17, Uta (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I'm growing them for the first time, in Manawatu. So far with the heat and sun we've been having they're doing well. But they'll need a long season, so fingers crossed. My first transplant died in the wind, so shelter is important, in Wellington too :-)
26 Jan 18, Sally (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I’m in the Manawatu also and have 5 watermelons on my plant, never had success before, it’s been so hot that I’m thrilled to have fruit!! Hope yours have been a success too.
22 Feb 19, Ane (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I'm in Manawatu as well and have 2 plants growing, each have about 6-8 melons. A couple of them are almost the size of a netball and the rest are slightly larger then a tennis ball. Fingers crossed they keep growing:)
26 Nov 17, Jilly (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I would.like to know why lately a lot of supermarket watermelons are rubbery and soft in texture?? ..ugly to eat..not lovely and crisp
18 Oct 17, Micheal Ntisetsang (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I've planted watermelon on 09/09/17 and it is still developing vines and they are 50 to 60 cm long but surprisingly they are flowering at the same time pls advise on what to do
14 Sep 17, william (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Were can I find watermelons in limpopo
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?
Showing 181 - 190 of 347 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.