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

17 Aug 17, Rodney A Dwight (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What is the best soil condition water Mellon grow in was and best time to sow
18 Aug 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Sub tropical - plant them now. If frost is a problem grow in a pot for awhile. Water melons are usually picked before Xmas. Any reasonable soil - not a heavy clay or very sandy. Read up about how to grow them - google it. Plenty of water.
26 Jul 17, Mariam (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I stay near Orlando. I planted some watermelon seeds in a pot inside my house few days ago. Now 2 of them are growing in the pot. Then I don't know should I take the pot out and put it in the yard or keep it at home to grow. Also the pot is small, should I take the baby plants out and plant them in the yard? Thanks for your help.
13 Jun 17, Juan Crafford (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Is it neccessary to mulch my watermelon beds or can I plant the seeds without it. I live in North West
15 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Watermelons thrive with plenty of old manure and a good water supply. Mulch will help to retain water and keep the roots cooler.
21 May 17, Vikani (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What kind of manure or fertilizer is good for watermelon in Durban, south africa
22 May 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Watermelons are like pumpkins and do well with plenty of manure and water. Before you plant them dig a hole as deep as you can without going into the hard clay. Put some old newspapers or denim jeans in the bottom of the hole and then add as much old rotted animal manure and household scraps into the hole. Cover the hole in the the topsoil leaving a mound. When it is time to plant the seeds in the mound and give them a good watering. Your watermelons will grow well and the newspaper or old jeans will help hold water.
25 Feb 17, Michael Mizzi (Australia - temperate climate)
I tried to grow water melons but my vines never produce any fruit,, yes no fruit,, I have planted heaps of seeds all over my yard in different positions and I have watched the water melon vines grow very big and spread everywhere but the vines never grow any fruit what am I doing wrong. I have used mulchand compost in the soil I have prepared the soil properly with the appropriate top soil and cow manure,, please help me,, thanks Michael
05 Dec 17, marylou (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, Have you notice any bees? If you don't then that might be you problem. regards Marylou
01 Mar 17, Mark (Australia - temperate climate)
With Watermelon, I find the leaner the soil, the better (I grow in a very sandy/gravel soil with great results. In a temperate climate you should get your seeds planted early Spring, and get the seedlings in the ground once the overnight temperatures rise (late Sept/early October) as they need a long Summer season. I'm in S.E.South Oz and grow both Watermelon and Cucumber in abundance. Regular heavy watering in a North facing (full sun) position should do the trick. As Watermelon and Cucumber are the same family, once you start seeing flowers, spray/mist water onto the flowers to promote more growth. Good luck!
Showing 201 - 210 of 355 comments

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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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