Growing Watermelon

Cucurbitaceae c. lanatus : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S S                
      T T              
      P P              

(Best months for growing Watermelon in USA - Zone 7a 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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26 May 24, Lee (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I am in zone 10a & 10b. Last year I started my watermelons on memorial day, not intentionally, and they grew really well. Today is memorial weekend and I'm planting mine now. I wouldn't say wait on purpose, I just moved so I had to wait, it never hurts to try. Because it was so late in the year, last year, I only planted 6 watermelon seeds in the ground and 5 produced. 4 of them had 4 watermelons and 1 of them had 3. I feel like these areas are capable of growing things almost year round regardless of the suggested planting time.
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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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Showing 31 - 40 of 350 comments
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Amy, When to pick watermelons is one of life's great mysteries, but there are a few tips to help you out...Tapping on a ripe watermelon give a heavier thud than unripe ones, watch out for a yellowing stem, a yellowing patch on the underside where it touches the soil and also the skin gets a more powdery look to it rather than it's normal glossy sheen. I picked a couple before I started to get it right. Another thing is to leave it then for another wekk after you have picked it so that it can finish ripening. good luck

- Grahame

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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. 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.
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