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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
29 Nov 08, Rosie (Australia - temperate climate)
Emma - mine also took a lonnng time to pop up and then just sat as little seedlings for what seemed like forever - they are now starting to take off. I have three plants that are on the same mound and they are looking good.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Nov 08, Emma (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I planted some seeds over 3 months ago (not having done any research before) in my small vegie avery and a week ago the seedlings have poped up so I gather its because our temps are between 27 and 35 here most days. The seedlings are all in one area someone has told me to seperate them but when I did that last time with pumpkin seedlings almost all died even though I did it with care. If I leave them where they currently are will they survive and poduce fruit? or should I risk it and move them?
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Nov 08, Rosie (Australia - temperate climate)
Ahhhh!!! Thanks Chris - the temps are still a little low at night..
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Nov 08, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Rosie, maybe your nights aren't warm enough yet? They grow best with days 20-35C and night temperatures over 18C.
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Nov 08, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Matt, a combination of things indicate when the melons are ripe: The light green tendrils on the stem near the point of attachment of the melon turn brown and dry, the skin of the fruit turns dull, the skin becomes hard to penetrate with a thumbnail and feels rough, and the bottom of the melon (where it lies on the soil) turns from light green to yellowish.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Nov 08, Rosie (Australia - temperate climate)
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
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 171 - 176 of 176 comments
See comments for all plants

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

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.