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 21°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 60 - 75 cm apart
  • Harvest in 12-17 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, Sunflowers
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

23 Jul 24, Modise Moeketsane (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can i start planting watermelon now??
24 Jul 24, Janene (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
September to November is the best time for your zone
18 May 24, Lea (Australia - temperate climate)
Can watermelon seeds be left in the ground once plant dies off . Never tried planting watermelon before and not a huge success so far
28 May 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
For best results it is best to plant seeds when they suggest.
09 May 24, (USA - Zone 7a climate)
7
11 Mar 24, Lea (Australia - temperate climate)
How long do they take from seed
22 Mar 24, Celeste Archer (Australia - temperate climate)
From seed to harvest involves two phases: 1. Germination (from seed to seedling) 2. Days to harvest which is from seedling to harvest. For your seeds to germinate you need proper germination temperatures and some water (and sunlight). The germination temperature and days to germinate varies by variety -- watermelon seeds tend to like VERY warm temps for germination with germination in about 3 days at 30c and about 10 days at 20c. I would factor about 14 days for germination as a general rule of thumb. Days to harvest varies by variety with smaller varieties taking about 60 days and larger varieties taking closer to 90 days. ‘Charleston Gray’ harvests in 85 days, while Little Darling takes 65 to 70 days, Carolina Cross takes 100 days. I think most varieties fall into the 80-90 day category. Overall, I would allow 114 days, provided the conditions are GOOD (close to optimal) for watermelon from seed for most varieties -- and about 85 days for the smaller (smallest varieties) and you're looking at about 120 days for the really LARGE watermelons.
19 Mar 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read the notes here.
19 Mar 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read the notes here.
10 Feb 24, Rob Taege (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
After last year's disappointment of being so wet, this year has had lots of sun hours with intermittent rain. However, a few weeks ago I noticed two watermelon fruits had their skin punctured. I just chucked on them today and now half of my fruit has punctured holes in them. I have a few pukekos in the paddock that come over and pick my unripe tomatoes from the plants. Would they peck at watermelon fruit as well? If not, what other animal or bird would do this and how do I stop them? I'm 100% sure it isn't rats as the holes are punctured not gnawed, Any suggestions, please before I lose my whole crop.
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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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