Table of Contents
Melons are usually planted in the field around April 15 to May 1 in south Arkansas and between May 10 and 15 in north Arkansas. Watermelons do not transplant well bare-rooted, but they may be started in containers three to four weeks before field planting to promote early development.
What is the best month to 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 long does it take for a watermelon plant to produce fruit?
Watermelons require 80-90 days from seed sowing to grow a full-size watermelon. Some smaller-sized watermelons (like Sugar Baby) can reach maturity in closer to 70 days.
How many watermelons do you get per plant?
How Many Watermelons 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.
How late can watermelons be planted?
Planting Times In warmer climates, like Texas and the hotter areas of California, planting time for watermelons is December through early July, although April through July is more common. Harvest time ranges early-summer to mid-fall; some varieties may ripen in 90 days or less and are known as “early” varieties.
Can I plant watermelon in May?
In northern zones where the warm season is relatively short, start watermelon plants indoors and choose early varieties that mature quickly. Plant seedlings in the middle to end of June. In zones 5 and 6, begin hardening seedlings in May for planting in mid to late May.
Is it too late to plant watermelon in June?
Planting. The best time to plant watermelon seeds is from late spring to early summer, or when the soil temperature reaches 70 degrees or above. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings don’t usually transplant well, so there’s no need to start them in a pot or seed tray.
Do you need two watermelon plants to get fruit?
Watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) like many other melons, cannot produce fruit if they are not pollinated. A watermelon plant is a cucurbit and as such bloom with both male and female flowers and can be pollinated without the help of another watermelon plant.
Are watermelons easy growing?
Growing watermelons requires lots of space, lots of sun, lots of water and lots of nutrients. Watermelons are not particularly difficult to grow but because they are so demanding I don’t consider watermelons a good plant for beginner gardeners. (You can get lucky if you live in the perfect climate with perfect soil.).
Do watermelon plants come back every year?
Watermelon plants do not come back every year as they are tender annuals. Though this does mean you need to sow watermelon seeds every year, thankfully they are quick growing plus planting new plants each year also reduces the likelihood of disease.
How many watermelons can I plant for a family of 4?
As female flowers begin to set fruit, it may appear that your crop yield will be large; however, many of these young melons will shrivel up and die off, with only the strongest fruits remaining to ripen. Depending on your needs, between three and four plants for each member of your household should be sufficient.
What is the best fertilizer for watermelon?
When fertilizing watermelon plants, use nitrogen based fertilizer at the onset. Once the plant begins flowering, however, switch to feeding the watermelon a phosphorus and potassium based fertilizer. Watermelons require ample potassium and phosphorus for optimal melon production.
Do watermelons need a trellis?
As the vines, which should be about two feet apart, begin to run, send them up a sturdy trellis. You will need to tie the runners to the trellis, since watermelons are not natural climbers. Watermelons don’t climb by habit, but once shown the way they can rise with the best. Watermelons rest easy in hammocks.
Do watermelons need full sun?
Light. 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.
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.
Can I plant watermelon seeds in June?
If you haven’t had a chance to plan ahead to start your seeds indoors, sow them directly into the garden bed in June. In Mediterranean climates, ‘Bush Sugar Baby’ melons will have the 75 to 80 warm summer days they need before harvest, although you’ll be picking them later than you normally would.
Can I plant watermelon in November?
Wait until the danger of a late frost has past and the average temperature during the day is 70 degrees F, recommends The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Lower temperatures can effect germination.
Can you plant watermelon in a container?
Yes, you can grow watermelon in pots. But there are some important guidelines you’ll want to follow to set yourself up for success. Watermelons are fun to grow in pots, but they must be cared for properly.
