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

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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.
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02 Oct 22, Charles (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I want to know how best l can grow water melons in Summer under irrigation.
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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.
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28 Sep 22, Garry (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello there,just wondering if I can grow watermelon and rockmelon close together. Thanks Garry.
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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 (?)
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29 Sep 22, (Australia - tropical climate)
Depends how close - 5-10m away would be OK. I wouldn't do 1-2m apart - cross pollination.
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26 Sep 22, Brodie O'Donnell (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Can I grow watermelons in Southland.?
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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.
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08 Aug 22, Catherine E Villarreal (USA - Zone 10b climate)
When can I plant seedless watermelon seeds in zone 10b
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04 Sep 22, (USA - Zone 10b climate)
March or Aug Sept
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Showing 21 - 30 of 339 comments
See comments for all plants

Climate must be a big factor with water melons, Mike. We'll never get an overnight low of less than 24C in summer, and rarely get one under 18C in what we call winter, so I'm going to try growing them all year round. Evidently Darwin soils are very poor because nutrients get leached from them by the heavy rain during the wet season so I'm learning how to counter that. Having never been a gardener, the water melon experience has spurred me into action and today I'll be planting some papaya and guavas. I don't think the traditional favourites like plums and peaches can be grown up here but I'm looking into it. I do remember a particular plum from my childhood (50+ years ago!) called a greengage; they were green when ripe, and sweet. Has anyone on here ever grown them?

- Grahame B

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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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