Planting and Growing Guide for Watermelon (Cucurbitaceae c. lanatus)
Description
Watermelons are easy to grow in your home garden if you have plenty of space. They have a delicious sweet, and aromatic taste when picked and eaten straight from the garden. There are wonderful varieties available, so choose one that has a good reputation for your area. Watermelon need a long warm season to mature and are best suited to warmer climates. They need a least 2-3 months of consistent warm weather to produce large melons. Watermelons do best in rich sandy and loamy soils that have excellent drainage. They need a pH of around 6 or higher. Watermelons do not cope with acidity or being crowded, or having poor ventilation which can promote diseases such a mould and fungus. The vines need plenty of room to spread out when planted into small mounds. You may need to protect the small fruits as they develop by inserting a small piece of cardboard, straw or wood under the fruit. Harvest when the part in contact with the ground is turning yellow and the fruit sounds hollow when tapped.This helps promote even ripening and prevents the base from rotting or being invaded by pests. Watermelons are best eaten soon after picking as their flavor declines when kept in the refrigerator.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Grow in seeds trays, planting seed at a depth of about 10 mm (1/2 inch) beginning about 4 weeks before the last spring frost is expected. Transplant to the garden in the warmer months after the last frosts.
Space between plants: 40-50 cm (18 inches). In the garden sow seeds or transplant seedlings into small mounds about 1 metre (36 apart) allowing lots of room to spread.
Harvest Time: Harvest in about 12-16 weeks, dependent on the temperature.
Hints:
- Does best in rich, moisture-retaining soil lots of compost or manure dug well in
- Frost tender and grows best in warm temperatures in full sun
- Apply fertiliser, compost or manure regularly
- Water regularly especially when the plants are small.
- Watch out for pests and sooty moulds
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!