Growing Watermelon

Cucurbitaceae c. lanatus : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                S S S S
T                   T T
                    P P

(Best months for growing Watermelon in New Zealand - cool/mountain 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

05 Apr 09, Remi (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, I live in Melbourne and it is early April and my family and I have started growing a vegie-patch and would like to know - is this the right time to start growing watermelon and pumkin?
06 Apr 09, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Remi, April is too late for melon and pumpkin in Melbourne. They need a long growing season (especially melon) and need starting in spring.
13 Apr 09, Nathalie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I've been told that when the closest leaf dies the melon is ready to be picked. This is the same for all vine veggies and fruits. I have found that this 'rule' works
11 May 09, Crystal (Australia - temperate climate)
I have experienced growing watermelons and whoever told you that when the closest leave dies the melon is ready is right. Also, they take about 5-6 months to grow if you want big, juicy watermelons.
30 Jul 09, prue (Australia - temperate climate)
how many watermelons do you get from one plant?
16 Aug 09, kym (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
is there any chance of getting seedless watermelon plants?
23 Aug 09, Jenny (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
how many watermelon types are there?
06 Jan 10, Kaye (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My melons are only getting to the size of a walnut and then dying. What is the problem please?
15 Jan 10, Gillian (Australia - temperate climate)
i am a first time watermelon grower and i can say wow, the plant (1 only) is going wild. Does anyone have tips on right fertiliser/care
25 Feb 13, Lachlan (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, Gillian.... The RIGHT fertiliser for growing any fruit beautifully would be "MIRACLE" brand fertiliser ...You can easily get them from Bunnings.....Good LucK!!!
Showing 21 - 30 of 339 comments

am in north canterbury, growing watermelon in glasshouse, didnt have success outdoors, but one in glasshouse has 5 melons of different sizes on it so hopeful , one getting quite large

- Lea

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 GardenGrow 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 GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | 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. GardenGrow 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.