How to Grow Watermelon

Watermelon Germination Information

How to Sow Watermelon:

• In areas with a long growing season, seeds are best sown outdoors after all danger of frost is past and in a warm soil
• Seeds can also be sown indoors at 68-75°
• When sowing indoors, do so 3-4 weeks before night temperatures remain above 55° and in individual pots as they do not transplant well
• Indoors and out, sow at a depth of 4 times the size of the seed and expect germination in 8-14 days

How to Grow Watermelon:
Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves, being very careful with the roots as they resent being disturbed

Spacing: Thin or space seedlings 2 feet apart in rows 6-8 feet apart. They may also be planted 3 plants per hill with hills spaced 6-8 feet apart

Lighting: Site in full sun

Soil: Site in a light, rich, sandy soil with excellent drainage

Additional Care: Keep well watered while plants are growing; cutting back as fruits are ripening. Watermelon is a hot-season crop that cannot withstand any frost and needs the longest growing season of all the melons

Appearance and Use:

This large, sprawling vine with large, hairy leaves produces large, round, oval, or oblong, edible fruit. It is a smooth-skinned fruit that can be colored light-green, dark-green, or green and white striped. The inner flesh can be red, yellow, or white. It can be difficult to tell when the fruit is ripe: rap on the sides and listen for a dull thump rather than a sharp sound and look for a golden yellow color where the bottom of the fruit rests on the ground

About Watermelon:
Botanical name: Citrullus lanatus
Pronunciation:  sit-rul’us lå-na’tus
Lifecycle:  Annual
Origination: Cucurbitaceae; native to Africa