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
                  P P  

(Best months for growing Watermelon in Australia - temperate regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed

August: Frost tender Start under cover

  • 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 21°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 60 - 75 cm 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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06 Apr 09, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Remi, April is too late for melon and pumpkin in Melbourne. They need a long growing season (especially melon) and need starting in spring.
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13 Apr 09, Nathalie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I've been told that when the closest leaf dies the melon is ready to be picked. This is the same for all vine veggies and fruits. I have found that this 'rule' works
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11 May 09, Crystal (Australia - temperate climate)
I have experienced growing watermelons and whoever told you that when the closest leave dies the melon is ready is right. Also, they take about 5-6 months to grow if you want big, juicy watermelons.
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30 Jul 09, prue (Australia - temperate climate)
how many watermelons do you get from one plant?
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16 Aug 09, kym (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
is there any chance of getting seedless watermelon plants?
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23 Aug 09, Jenny (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
how many watermelon types are there?
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06 Jan 10, Kaye (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My melons are only getting to the size of a walnut and then dying. What is the problem please?
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15 Jan 10, Gillian (Australia - temperate climate)
i am a first time watermelon grower and i can say wow, the plant (1 only) is going wild. Does anyone have tips on right fertiliser/care
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25 Feb 13, Lachlan (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, Gillian.... The RIGHT fertiliser for growing any fruit beautifully would be "MIRACLE" brand fertiliser ...You can easily get them from Bunnings.....Good LucK!!!
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23 Oct 14, Shaun (Australia - temperate climate)
Compost is much better than fertiliser for melons, marrows and cucurbits. Fertiliser actually depletes the soil of life and is generally over applied to veggie beds and either stunts plants or burns by trying to force them too much. Your edible plants will always flourish in good quality compost, especially water melons.
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Showing 21 - 30 of 170 comments
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I stay near Orlando. I planted some watermelon seeds in a pot inside my house few days ago. Now 2 of them are growing in the pot. Then I don't know should I take the pot out and put it in the yard or keep it at home to grow. Also the pot is small, should I take the baby plants out and plant them in the yard? Thanks for your help.

- Mariam

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