How to grow Watermelon

Citrullus lanatus

Keep the plants under plastic bags till the flowers appear on the vine.

The most reliable sign of ripening occurs when the small tendril opposite the fruits pendule (stem attachement) changes from green to brown and becomes dry.

Growing Watermelon from seed

You can sow watermelon seeds in mounts or rows. Plant three to four seeds in each mount you make.

Sow 0.39 inches (1.0 cm) deep with a guideline distance of 8.12 feet (2.50 metres). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 16°C / 61°F to ensure good germination.

Seed Saving Watermelon

Collect seeds when fruits are fully ripe. Clean the seeds, and dry them. 1

Seed viability is five years.

How long does Watermelon take to grow?

These estimates for how long Watermelon takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Watermelon to germinate?
9 days

Average 9 days | Min 1 days | Max 26 days (334)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Watermelon?
+ 24 days

Average 24 days | Min 1 days | Max 69 days (104)

Days to Maturity How long until Watermelon is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 81 days

Average 81 days | Min 18 days | Max 302 days (13)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Watermelon?
= 114 days

Watermelon Etymology

The botanical epithet is from the Latin lanatus meaning “woolly”

Watermelon Folklore & Trivia

In times of drought, watermelons have often been used as a source of uncontaminated water.

Watermelon has compounds that act on the blood vessels in a similar manor as viagra, without the side effects.2

Other names for Watermelon

Watermellon, Sugar baby watermelon 4, Pastèque à confitures, Melon à confitures, Daisy or yellow shipper watermelon

Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai, Citrullus vulgaris

Misspellings: Citrullus vulgaris, Citrullus ianatus

Footnotes

1 “The New Seed-starters Handbook; Published 1988”

2 Science Daily


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