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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
07 Feb 22, Anonymous of Bundaberg (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read up about hand pollinating. Have to do in the morning before lunch.
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06 Jan 22, Jen (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can I grow watermelons in Christchurch or is it too cold
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11 Jan 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes look in the planting calendar guide. It is generally a Spring planting crop.
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04 Sep 21, Harrison Brown (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I would like to know what type of fertilizers I can use to fertilizer my pigeon peas, corn, and watermelon plants?
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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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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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