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 5a 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
  • Mature watermelon
  • Melon flower
  • Watermelon

Large, round or oval, smooth green skinned, delicious, sweet pink fleshed melon.

Some have stripes on the skin.

Some varieties will produce fruit up to 14 kg (31 US pounds).

Harvest when the part in contact with the ground is turning yellow and the fruit sounds hollow when tapped.

Watermelon needs plenty of room to grow as it sends out long vines

Needs a long warm season to mature.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Watermelon

Cut up and eat in slices.
Use to make fruit drinks.
Use in fruit salads.

Your comments and tips

24 Jul 24, Eric (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Caregiver can I plant watermelons in November or December zone 9
21 Sep 24, Gerald (USA - Zone 7a climate)
You can 'grow' them but it is highly unlikely they will bear fruit. You may get lovely little yellow flowers but as I said, no fruit. IF you have the ability to start them early indoors they sprout and grow quickly. Remember they need at least 12 full weeks of full sun to bear fruit. Either way these are easy to grow and will supply you with a beautiful lush green vine. It is easy. Have fun, I did! (zone 7 here, lush vines, sweet little flowers, alas, no fruit). Good Luck, Gerry
27 Jul 24, Rich (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I do not think it will get warm enough to grow until late spring through to Oct. in Zone 9b
09 May 24, (USA - Zone 7a climate)
7
19 Sep 23, Amanda (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I thought my watermelons had died off but in the beginning of this month (September) they decided to start growing again any chance they will actually survive or am I wasting my time?
20 Sep 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 8b climate)
It does say plant Feb March.
04 May 23, juan perez (USA - Zone 10a climate)
melons do they grow on the ground or trails
08 May 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 3b climate)
Ground.
30 Apr 23, Sam (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I’m in zone 10a Rialto ca and I’m wondering if it’s too late to start my watermelon seedling this is my first time ever planting something and I have many many many seeds of multiple vegetables and I have no idea when to start my seeds
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.
Showing 1 - 10 of 47 comments

Hi I live just south of Perth and have planted organic watermelon seeds, the seedlings seem to be taking a lonnnnggg time to get bigger. They are planted on mounds and i have improved the soil (read sand) but am thinking maybe i did not improve it enough?? I am a newby having just turned into a garden nut, any help would be appreciated. Thanks

- Rosie

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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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