Watermelon plants are annual vines that produce large, sweet fruits. They have large, lobed leaves and long, twining stems. The flowers are yellow and the fruits can range in size from a few pounds to over 50 pounds. Watermelons require lots of sunshine, warm temperatures, and well-drained soil. They should be planted in full sun and watered regularly. Fertilizer may be added to the soil to improve growth.
Planning Your Garden With Watermelon
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Watermelon is an annual. |
| USDA Zone | Watermelons are typically grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Watermelons are a warm season crop and can usually only tolerate temperatures as low as 32. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for watermelon is usually around 70-80 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown watermelon plant is about 6 to 8 feet in length. |
| Spacing requirements | Watermelons require full sun and well-drained soil with plenty of space for the vines to spread. Plant watermelon seeds 1 inch deep, spaced 4 to 6 feet apart in rows 8 to 10 feet apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Watermelons can tolerate full sun, but they prefer partial shade in warm climates. In cooler climates, they can tolerate full sun. |
| Shade tolerance | Watermelons prefer full sun, but can tolerate some light shade. |
| Water requirements | Watermelons require 1-2 inches of water per week, with more during hot, dry periods. They prefer deep, infrequent watering to keep the soil moist and discourage shallow rooting. Watermelons need full sun and well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Mulching can help keep the soil moist and reduce weeds. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing watermelon depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1 to 2 pounds of fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden area. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing watermelon is 6.0 to 6.8. |
Why Watermelon is Popular
People like to grow watermelon because they are a large and delicious fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Watermelon is also easy to grow and requires minimal care. Additionally, watermelon is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, making it a healthy snack.
Companion Plants For Watermelon
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for watermelon include:
Common Pests For Watermelon
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow watermelon, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- fungus gnats
- flea beetles
- cucumber beetles
- squash bugs
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
- beetles
- cutworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
