Growing Watermelon

View the Watermelon page

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!
26 Feb 17 John (Australia - temperate climate)
Watermelons generally like a long hot season. Next season look up some of the heritage seed companies and get seed of varieties that are 'short' season or cooler climate. This may solve your problem as in countries like Canada and The northern USA as well as some parts of Europe watermelons are grown. Your soil preparation sounds great. Cucurbits like watermelons produce male flowers earlier than female (fruiting) flowers so growing a shorter season variety may help. All the best.

Watermelons generally like a long hot season. Next season look up some of the heritage seed companies and get seed of varieties that are 'short' season or cooler climate. This may solve your problem as in countries like Canada and The northern USA as well as some parts of Europe watermelons are grown. Your soil preparation sounds great. Cucurbits like watermelons produce male flowers earlier than female (fruiting) flowers so growing a shorter season variety may help. All the best.

- John

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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. Gardenate 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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.