Growing Watermelon

Cucurbitaceae c. lanatus : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
	S	S	S	S
T			T	T	T	T
			P	P	P

(Best months for growing Watermelon in Australia - sub-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

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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02 Aug 21, Thembisile (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): Where can I buy watermelon seeds? I'm in Swaziland. Thanks
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01 Mar 24, Gagu (South Africa - Semi-arid climate): You can buy seeds at SAS in Manzini,Nami ngiwatsenge khona
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03 Nov 23, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate): Try www.livingseeds.co.za
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19 Aug 21, Dipolelo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): I kept few seeds from a watermelon I enjoyed in January. I'm going to plant them next month. I'm so looking forward. I'm in GP.
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06 Aug 21, Anon (South Africa - Semi-arid climate): try an agricultural shop.
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09 Mar 21, Sonke (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate): Is it possible to plant or sow seeds in my region now in March ,Humid subtropical region..
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10 Mar 21, (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate): Check the monthly planting guide here. Better to plant in the spring.
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21 Oct 20, Modiba matee john (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): HI which watermelon variety or hybrid is larger and sweet?
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Showing 11 - 20 of 82 comments

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Replying to:

I am growing a variety of watermelon called "red rocket". These are supposed to be, according to the tag, large oblong-shaped with a high yield, however, the only 2 fruit I have growing are just the size of small rockmelons and appear to have stopped growing. The oldest of these 2 is about 5 weeks now. Are my expectations of what is called large fruit and high yield too high, or do I need to do something to help them along. I have recently used Dynamic Lifter For Fruit and Citrus in the patch but am unsure if this will help. The other problem is that, although the plant is very vigorous and has plenty of flowers, it doesn't seem to fruit, even though I've used the brush trick to help pollinate. The only thing I can think of is that it doesn't get a lot of sun, but if this was the problem would that not also affect the quantity of flowers and health of the vine?

- Jo

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Growing Watermelon

Cucurbitaceae c. lanatus : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

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Gardenate

Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Watermelon

Cucurbitaceae c. lanatus : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Your comments and tips

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