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 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

01 Mar 20, Kerrie (Australia - tropical climate)
A few weeks ago I harvested the last of my watermelon. I lost a few due to the rain and too much water. I live in the coastal area of Brisbane. A few plants have self seeded, is it too late for them to bare fruit ?
02 Mar 20, Another gardener (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My first time growing them this time of year. Mine are just starting to send runners out and I feel I maybe a bit late. The farmers around here (Bundy) planted out seedlings about a month - 6 weeks ago. You could try, depends on what the late Autumn early Winter is like, warm or cool.
24 Feb 20, Juliet (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Can it get too hot for watermelon plant to survive Tauranga NZ, weather gowing over concrete pavers and river stones ?
25 Feb 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Growing them over concrete or river stone could do damage to the vines if it is very hot.
14 Jan 20, Dale gibson (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
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
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.
07 Jan 20, Alice Mukondyo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
can red melon be found in Sa all year round???
09 Jan 20, Anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Are you asking about the seeds or the melon to buy.?
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?
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)
Showing 101 - 110 of 350 comments

Is July too late to plant or transplant? Or should I wait for August. Wanted to get a plant or seeds as a late Father's day gift but thought I should ask. It can always get a birthday present in August

- NSyed

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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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