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

Your comments and tips

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03 Apr 23, Karen Hutchison (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I have had good luck with Klondike
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04 Sep 21, Harrison Brown (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I would like to know what type of fertilizers I can use to fertilizer my pigeon peas, corn, and watermelon plants?
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07 Sep 21, (USA - Zone 4a climate)
A general garden fertiliser will do.
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21 Aug 21, Sandra Carlton (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I have watermelon plants all over the garden lots of blooms but no fruit yet, they were planted mid July. In zone 8
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23 Aug 21, Rosemary McElroy (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I wouldn’t worry unless the blooms drop. Did you plant them as plants or seeds?
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07 Aug 21, Sandra Carlton (USA - Zone 8b climate)
How long does it take for watermelons planted in mid July in zone 8 to make watermelons?
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09 Aug 21, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The guide here says plant Mar April and you want to plant mid July. You will reduce your chances of producing good watermelons by planting out of the recommended guide. Yes it is only a guide here and your local weather pattern will have a big bearing on what kind of melon you produce. General rule of thumb is you plant early spring and then pick early summer for the best melons where I live - Queensland Australia. Read up or watch videos about growing and when to pick melons. It is weeks between the melon forming and being ready to pick.
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09 Aug 21, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
It will take approximately 12-17 weeks
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20 Jun 21, NSyed (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Is July too late to plant or transplant? Or should I wait for August. Wanted to get a plant or seeds as a late Father's day gift but thought I should ask. It can always get a birthday present in August
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23 Jun 21, (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Probably too late.
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Showing 21 - 30 of 47 comments
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I have a similar problem were the fruit has got to a certain size and then stopped growing ?

- mark

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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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