How to Grow Watermelons

Watermelons need a long growing season (at least 80 days) and warm ground for seeds to germinate and grow. Soil should be 70 degrees F or warmer at planting time. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and keep well watered until germination.

What month do you plant watermelon?
How many watermelons do you get per plant?
Are watermelon difficult to grow?
Where do watermelons grow best?
How do I make my watermelon sweeter when growing?
What is the lifespan of a watermelon plant?
Do watermelon plants come back every year?
Do watermelons need lots of water?
Do watermelons need full sun?
Can you grow watermelons in pots?
How do you increase watermelon fruit size?
How long does it take for a watermelon to grow to full size?

What month do you plant watermelon?

Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70° F or above.
Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.

How many watermelons do you get per plant?

Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. The vines produce both male and female flowers. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males.

Are watermelon difficult to grow?

Watermelons are surprisingly easy to grow as long as the plants have plenty of room to spread, good drainage, lots of sunlight, and a sufficiently long growing season. Gardeners in northern climates should choose early ripening varieties.

Where do watermelons grow best?

Florida has historically been the top producer of watermelons and accounted for 19 percent of the 3.9 billion pounds of U.S. watermelon production in 2012. Florida and three other States—Georgia, California, and Texas—accounted for two-thirds of U.S. output in 2012.

How do I make my watermelon sweeter when growing?

Heat brings out melons' sweetness, so make sure to plant them in a location that warms up early in spring and stays hot through the end of September. The south side of a fence or wall is ideal as the structure will absorb heat and light from the sun and reflect it back onto the melons.

What is the lifespan of a watermelon plant?

How many watermelons per plant? About 2 to 3 melons can be obtained per plant in its single lifespan of 3-4 months. Usually, gardeners purposely keep only one watermelon per plant to harvest big sized fruits.

Do watermelon plants come back every year?

As annual plants, watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) must be replanted every season and will not survive the winter either as seedlings or fully grown plants. Watermelons require warm weather to grow quickly and produce their sweet, juicy fruit.

Do watermelons need lots of water?

How to Grow Watermelons. Watering is very important—from planting until fruit begins to form. While melon plants are growing, blooming, and setting fruit, they need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Keep soil moist, but not waterlogged.

Do watermelons need full sun?

Watermelon Care

Watermelons require full sunlight in order to thrive. The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons.

Can you grow watermelons in pots?

You need to choose a pot that will be large enough for your container watermelon to thrive. Watermelons grow rapidly and require plenty of water, so it is recommended that you go with a 5-gallon (19 kg) or larger size container. ... Fill the watermelon container with potting soil or other soilless mix.

How do you increase watermelon fruit size?

To maximize the size of the melons, water the plants at the base in regular, deep-watering sessions that keep the soil moist. Side dress the watermelon plants with fertilizer designed for edible crops or compost tea to feed the plants. The fertilizer encourages growth to get larger melons.

How long does it take for a watermelon to grow to full size?

The time it takes for a watermelon to mature can be anywhere from 65 to 90 days after planting. Once the fruit sets to tiny marble-sized melons, it only takes up to 45 days for those tiny melons to develop into watermelons 10 pounds in size or more.