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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22 Jul 13, neville (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
what can i use for fruitflies?
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27 Sep 13, Brendan (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Did you know? • Fennel repels flies and fleas. • Thyme and dill repel cabbage moth. • Rosemary repels leafhoppers, aphids and caterpillars. • Mint is vulnerable to caterpillar attacks but repels many other insects. • Wormwood repels fruit fly. • Tarragon helps repel snails. • Garlic repels many insects.
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Showing 81 - 82 of 82 comments
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Climate must be a big factor with water melons, Mike. We'll never get an overnight low of less than 24C in summer, and rarely get one under 18C in what we call winter, so I'm going to try growing them all year round. Evidently Darwin soils are very poor because nutrients get leached from them by the heavy rain during the wet season so I'm learning how to counter that. Having never been a gardener, the water melon experience has spurred me into action and today I'll be planting some papaya and guavas. I don't think the traditional favourites like plums and peaches can be grown up here but I'm looking into it. I do remember a particular plum from my childhood (50+ years ago!) called a greengage; they were green when ripe, and sweet. Has anyone on here ever grown them?

- Grahame B

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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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