Watermelon Growing Guide

Citrullus lanatus

Crop Rotation Group

Cucurbits (Squash family) ●

Soil

Rich soil with plenty of compost added. Often grown in widely spaced enriched hills, or in well-aged compost heaps that include some soil.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

No.

Feeding

After plants set fruit, feed twice, at two week intervals, with a water soluble plant food.

Spacing

Single Plants: 90cm (2' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 90cm (2' 11") with 90cm (2' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1 inch deep in rows, or in hills spaced 6 feet apart. After 2 weeks, thin to 2 plants per hill. If your growing season is short they can be started indoors in pots to get a head start.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Fruit size varies with variety. Small watermelons mature quickly and take up less space compared to huge watermelons.

Harvesting

Ripe watermelons sound deep and resonant when tapped, and the curled tendril opposite the melon should be brown. Wipe clean and store indoors.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Watermelon

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail

Plant Diseases which Affect Watermelon

Squash Anthracnose