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 T          
      P P P P          

(Best months for growing Watermelon in Australia - tropical 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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10 Mar 08, Matt Rieck (Unknown climate)
I planted some watermelon seeds about 6 months age and they are still not ripe. Green inside. They are still attached to the vine and the attachment is still green. The bottom is a pale slightly yellow. The crop has yielded around 100 melons and a mediun sized one weights 14 kgs. I have no option but to leave them growing till the vine falls off. Is this a good solution Regards Matt
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Hi, You need to get your seeds from a repretable organinc supplier, the watermellon is a tropical plant so growing it in your airing cupboard is not a bad idea, a glasss house too should be benifitial in summer. the seeds need to be dried then planted in seed mix.once they have grown to planting size, grow them in good compost, I am trying to go over to a no did policy. My watermellons did no good last year. but as I said they are tropical fruit and grow better in Queensland and the N.T. than Vic,but a good summer helps

- Susan Chambers

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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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