Table of Contents
Start watermelon seed indoors 8 to 6 weeks before transplanting seedlings to the garden; set out transplants 2 or more weeks after the last frost in spring. Sow seed indoors in peat pots filled with seed starting mix. The indoor temperature should be between 80-90°F (27-32°C) until germination.
What month do you plant watermelon seeds?
Watermelons need about 100 days of warm weather to produce an edible melon. If the warm, late fall and winter weather of recent years continues, you may get a watermelon for Christmas. The best times to sow seeds for watermelons are early March and early August.
What month do you start seeds indoors?
When to Start Seeds Indoors As a general rule, most annual vegetables should be sown indoors about six weeks before the last frost in your area. See local frost dates.
What month is best for watermelon?
But the best time to buy is between May and September. That’s when production kicks in for the four top watermelon-growing states—Florida, Texas, California, and Georgia—which account for two-thirds of the U.S. crop and keep supermarket bins consistently full.
When should I start watermelon?
Sow watermelon seed or set plants directly in the garden in spring 2 weeks after all danger of frost has passed after the soil has warmed to 70°F (21°C). Watermelon seed can be started indoors 8 to 6 weeks before plants are set out.
Should you soak watermelon seeds before planting?
Many types of plant seeds benefit from pre-planting soaking to soften the outer seed coating and hasten germination. However, watermelons are an exception to the rule. Soaking the seeds before planting increases the risks of various fungal diseases, such as anthracnose caused by the Colletotrichum lagenarium fungus.
How do you prepare watermelon seeds for planting?
Healthy seed sinks to the bottom and dead (not viable) will float along with the majority of the pulp. Remove the “floaters” and pulp. Pour the viable seeds into a colander and rinse off any clinging pulp and drain. Allow the seeds to dry on a towel or newspaper in a sunny area for a week or so.
How do you germinate a watermelon seed?
Direct sow Watermelons in the garden in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to 21°C. Watermelon seeds will not germinate at a soil temperature below 18°C. Sow seed ½ inch deep and seeds germinate in 3 to 10 days at 27°C or warmer.
Can you sprout watermelon seeds in paper towel?
You can also germinate tomato seeds in a paper towel or coffee filter, as well as cucumber, squash, muskmelon, and watermelon seeds. But cool-season seeds like these aren’t as finicky about heat, and seeds from the brassica family germinate quickly on their own anyway (usually within a couple days).
Can you plant watermelon seeds directly in the ground?
Buy your seed, and if possible buy an open pollinated heirloom variety. Start your watermelon seeds in the ground, right where they are supposed to grow. The soil should be at least 18°C/65F for them to germinate. Unless you have an extremely short growing season, do NOT start your watermelon seed in a pot or punnet.
When should you start germinating seeds?
As a general rule, seeds need to be started four to six weeks before the date of the last frost. Seed starting times are calculated by taking the date of the last frost and subtracting the days until transplant. The seed packet will tell you how many weeks.
When should you plant seedlings?
The general rule of thumb is that when a seedling has three to four true leaves, it’s large enough to plant out in the garden (after it has been hardened off). When you plant a seed, the first leaves to emerge are the cotyledons.
When should I start seeds in my greenhouse?
Because of this controlled environment, you can actually start seeds in greenhouses anytime. However, if you are starting plants, which you plan to transplant into gardens outdoors in the spring, then you should start the seeds in greenhouses 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date for your location.
What season is watermelon grown in?
Quick Guide to Growing Watermelon Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70° F or above.
Is watermelon in season all year?
The 5 most popular are seeded, seedless, mini, yellow and orange flesh. Watermelon season runs throughout the summer — from May to September — but the exact range depends on where you live, Keep an eye out at your local farmers market. You can’t miss these big guys, and there will be plenty at peak season.
What is the season for melons?
During the months of May to September, melons are in season. While available year-round in a supermarket, melons are much more affordable during the summer season. The three most popular melons in America are cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew.
How long does it take 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.
When should I start melon seeds indoors?
Start melon seeds indoors in 4-inch pots at least six weeks before the average date of last frost in your area so that the seedlings are already well-established once warm weather hits.
How do watermelons grow for beginners?
Watermelons require a large vegetative-free space located in full sun and with well-drained soil that’s reached a minimum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit for proper germination and growth, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Because they are heavy feeders, amend the site with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
How many watermelon seeds do you plant per hole?
Place a seed in each hole and cover with loose soil. You will be able to fit 7-8 seeds in each mound. After planting, water the seeds in thoroughly. After the seedlings emerge and are a couple of inches long, you should keep the 3 most promising plants and pull the rest out of the ground.
