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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
07 Sep 21, (USA - Zone 4a climate)
A general garden fertiliser will do.
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21 Aug 21, ravindra govind (New Zealand - temperate climate)
hi is it possible to grow melons in wellington
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23 Aug 21, Megan (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Yes. We have grown them for the last two years. If you have a hot, sheltered spot that other plants wither and die in watermelon will thrive. We find it needs good, deep soil and lots of water. Better to go with a few plants a nip off the end once you have a couple of fruit on each rather than try and make one plant produce heaps of fruit.
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21 Aug 21, Sandra Carlton (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I have watermelon plants all over the garden lots of blooms but no fruit yet, they were planted mid July. In zone 8
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23 Aug 21, Rosemary McElroy (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I wouldn’t worry unless the blooms drop. Did you plant them as plants or seeds?
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07 Aug 21, Sandra Carlton (USA - Zone 8b climate)
How long does it take for watermelons planted in mid July in zone 8 to make watermelons?
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09 Aug 21, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The guide here says plant Mar April and you want to plant mid July. You will reduce your chances of producing good watermelons by planting out of the recommended guide. Yes it is only a guide here and your local weather pattern will have a big bearing on what kind of melon you produce. General rule of thumb is you plant early spring and then pick early summer for the best melons where I live - Queensland Australia. Read up or watch videos about growing and when to pick melons. It is weeks between the melon forming and being ready to pick.
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09 Aug 21, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
It will take approximately 12-17 weeks
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02 Aug 21, Thembisile (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy watermelon seeds? I'm in Swaziland. Thanks
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01 Mar 24, Gagu (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
You can buy seeds at SAS in Manzini,Nami ngiwatsenge khona
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Showing 51 - 60 of 341 comments
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Hi there ,I planted my watermelon seed in early November and surprisingly they germinated within 2 to 3 weeks ,..6 weeks on an the growth is very slow...it is mid January 2020 I live tolaga bay east coast nz ...weather climate is warm and hopefully will continue threw to march ...have I left it to late.. let me no. regards

- Dale gibson

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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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