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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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..
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10 Mar 21, (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Check the monthly planting guide here. Better to plant in the spring.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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21 Oct 20, Modiba matee john (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
HI which watermelon variety or hybrid is larger and sweet?
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23 Oct 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Check on the internet for size - seed companies.
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19 Oct 20, Mokone Mahlatsi (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi my question is I plant Carolina crosse watermelon it growing very well but the problem is not sweetheart y ? Thank you
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03 Sep 20, Kay (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What fertiliser is best for watermelons?
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Showing 81 - 90 of 355 comments
See comments for all plants

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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