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

26 May 24, Lee (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I am in zone 10a & 10b. Last year I started my watermelons on memorial day, not intentionally, and they grew really well. Today is memorial weekend and I'm planting mine now. I wouldn't say wait on purpose, I just moved so I had to wait, it never hurts to try. Because it was so late in the year, last year, I only planted 6 watermelon seeds in the ground and 5 produced. 4 of them had 4 watermelons and 1 of them had 3. I feel like these areas are capable of growing things almost year round regardless of the suggested planting time.
08 May 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Each vegetable here has a planting guide for each climate zone. Find your zone in the top bar and check the planting calendar for watermelon.
02 Oct 22, Charles (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I want to know how best l can grow water melons in Summer under irrigation.
03 Oct 22, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Irrigate regularly. 2-3 times a week. Small amounts when plant are small then increase the water as they grow.
28 Sep 22, Garry (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello there,just wondering if I can grow watermelon and rockmelon close together. Thanks Garry.
18 Oct 22, Albert (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Plants only cross pollinate within their own species. Watermelon (citrullus lanatus) and Rockmelon (cucumis melo) will not cross. Bees can cross pollination and they can travel up to 2 km, this is the (?)
29 Sep 22, (Australia - tropical climate)
Depends how close - 5-10m away would be OK. I wouldn't do 1-2m apart - cross pollination.
26 Sep 22, Brodie O'Donnell (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Can I grow watermelons in Southland.?
29 Sep 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Go to watermelon - set climate zone to NZ - cool mountain. Check the calander planting guide. Now to the end of the year.
08 Aug 22, Catherine E Villarreal (USA - Zone 10b climate)
When can I plant seedless watermelon seeds in zone 10b
Showing 31 - 40 of 350 comments

How fun is growing your own fruit and veg?!?!??! I am wishing to find out how to contain a watermelon patch? They are spreading like wildfire and would like to know how to prune without risking the plant? THANKS!

- JC

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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. 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.
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