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 New Zealand - cool/mountain 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 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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26 Nov 17, Jilly (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I would.like to know why lately a lot of supermarket watermelons are rubbery and soft in texture?? ..ugly to eat..not lovely and crisp
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16 Jan 17, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can anyone give details of how to prune runners/vines of watermelons to achieve better fruit in Canterbury? I was told quite a few years ago that this is a good method in colder climates to encourage better fruit and good ripening.
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20 Jan 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Probably the best thing to do is to buy heritage seeds that have been listed as originating in short season climates like Canada and the northern USA. They have a much shorter growing season. The other alternative is to wait until 2 or maybe 3 melons have formed and then cut all subsequent runners off to give the plant the most to put into those 2 or 3 melons. Trust this helps.
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09 Jul 10, Natalie (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
If the melon is a non hybrid I don't think you would have any problems. I would buy a melon from an organic grocer, would then hopefully be not a hybrid. Dry the seeds out before planting. Plant where you want it to grow. And cross fingers. Would love to hear if you have any success. I have grown melons from seeds - they just seem to pop up out of the compost. So don't see why it wouldn't work, but you never know.
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Showing 41 - 44 of 44 comments
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When they have produced a good root system. Wait until they have several leaves. Important to keep as much soil in contact with the roots as possible when planting out. Try and protect them from the sun for the first week. In future plant in a little pot like a 500 gm margarine container with a few holes in the bottom to let water drain out. When they are about 3-4 weeks old plant out. If no frosts you can plant directly into the soil.

- Mike

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