How to grow watermelons

Citrullus lanatus · cucurbitaceae family · annual crop

Citrullus lanatus — hero (chairman regenerate) — AI-generated reference image. Have a photo of this plant? Suggest one below.

Growing basics

Watermelon is a warm-season crop, started from seed in the garden or transplanted.

Seeds germinate once soil reaches about 70°F.

Varieties in the library run 80 to 100 days to maturity.

Grows best in full sun.

Frost-tender: plants go out after the last frost.

Space plants 48 to 60 inches apart.

Sources

Cooperative Extension Service, University of Georgia, Watermelon Production
UC ANR / UC Cooperative Extension, Watermelon Production in California
Clemson HGIC, Watermelon

4 watermelons in the library

Sugar Baby · Crimson Sweet · Moon and Stars · Charleston Gray

Each has a full cited page in the library.

Pests and diseases we cover

Gummy stem blight
Phytophthora blight

Identification and treatment for each, with photos, in the library.

Row & Bed covers 4 watermelon varieties, each with a cited care timeline and fertilization schedule, identification and treatment for the 2 diseases that reach them, and planting windows worked out for your ZIP.

Set up your garden

See something that does not match your garden? Write to andy@rowandbed.com.