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

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15 Jan 20, Another gardener (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I'm sub-tropical Qld - they plant seedlings here late august and pick the melons up until Xmas. Planting later leaves you wide open to heavy rain, hot weather. A lot of rain when the melons are fully developed and they can/will split. Water melon seeds I threw in the garden in Oct germinated within 2-3 weeks. Here you can grow a spring and autumn crop. I would suggest you planted too late. If not growing I don't think the soil is very fertile.
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07 Jan 20, Alice Mukondyo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
can red melon be found in Sa all year round???
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09 Jan 20, Anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Are you asking about the seeds or the melon to buy.?
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26 Dec 19, Phoebe (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have a watermelon growing and setting teeny baby fruit but they all wither and drop off within a week of setting. Any ideas?
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30 Dec 19, anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Sounds like you have no bees to pollinate the female flower. Do it by hand. (With a soft artist's brush or use a male flower)
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15 Dec 19, Puiti (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can I grow watermelon in Te Kuiti?
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17 Dec 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You should be able to grow watermelon, if you start them early in pots or trays undercover. Have a look here www.gardenate.com/plant/Watermelon
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18 Nov 19, Bickie Mbenge (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Which sweet large watermelon do you recommend for me. I want to start watermelon farming. Please recommend seeds name. Regards
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19 Nov 19, anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I suggest you phone your agricultural department and ask. Generally it comes down to what kind of melon you want to grow, seeded, seedless, big, small. Check out a few internet seed selling companies also and read up about the different varieties.
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16 Nov 19, Anne Hay (Australia - temperate climate)
What sort of of soil should be used for growing watermelon. Should they be grown in the sun or shade and what do you feed them please.
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It is great to see your enthusiasm for growing food. The four needs of all living things are Sunshine, Food, Water and Care. Sunshine is free so we need to provide the other three. Adding old manure in the Autumn, providing consistent water and mulching in the summer to conserve water and help control weeds will all help produce good crops. The other things are - planting the right variety for the time of the year and removing weeds which use the food and water in the soil. If you look up the Dept of Agriculture or Primary Industries in the internet they will have people or Information Sheets thet will help. All the best with your plans.

- John

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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.
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