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

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.
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.
13 Jun 17, Juan Crafford (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Is it neccessary to mulch my watermelon beds or can I plant the seeds without it. I live in North West
15 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Watermelons thrive with plenty of old manure and a good water supply. Mulch will help to retain water and keep the roots cooler.
21 May 17, Vikani (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What kind of manure or fertilizer is good for watermelon in Durban, south africa
22 May 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Watermelons are like pumpkins and do well with plenty of manure and water. Before you plant them dig a hole as deep as you can without going into the hard clay. Put some old newspapers or denim jeans in the bottom of the hole and then add as much old rotted animal manure and household scraps into the hole. Cover the hole in the the topsoil leaving a mound. When it is time to plant the seeds in the mound and give them a good watering. Your watermelons will grow well and the newspaper or old jeans will help hold 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
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