Table of Contents
How do you transplant watermelon seedlings?
You will want to transplant your Melon seedlings when they have at least two sets of true leaves. Space them about 18 inches apart in rows that are about 4 feet apart, or plant them in threes on hills. Space the hills 4 to 6 feet apart. Plant in full sun, in a rich, sandy, well-drained soil.
How deep do you plant watermelon seedlings?
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.
How big should watermelon seedlings be before transplanting?
For indoor seed-starting, time your first sowing date to about a month before transplanting, so the seedlings don’t get oversized. Lanky seedlings are especially prone to physical damage and transplant shock. Sow 2–3 seeds, ¼-inch deep in cell flats.
How do you prepare watermelon seedlings?
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.
Can you plant watermelon seedlings deep?
How to Plant Watermelons. Sow seeds ½ to 1 inch deep outdoors or ¼ to ½ inch deep in seed-starting pots indoors. Tip: To allow for more root growth, use larger starting pots than you would for most seeds.
What is the spacing for 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 much space do Melons need?
Melons need room to roam. Space plants 36 to 42 inches apart. Or, to save space, plant melons 12 inches apart at the base of a trellis.
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 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.
Can you plant melon and watermelon together?
The foremost concern in planting both cantaloupe and watermelons in the same garden bed is space. The vines of both melons spread far and will grow wherever they can to access sunlight. Plants too close together cause unnecessary competition for light, soil moisture and nutrients.
Do melons transplant well?
Watermelon and cantaloupe are transplanted often. Advantages of transplanting include earlier harvest, better control of plant population, and less seed cost per acre since seeds germinate under better conditions.
How long does it take to grow watermelon?
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.
How long do watermelon seeds take to sprout?
The warmer the soil, the faster watermelon seeds germinate. For example, it takes approximately three days for a watermelon seed to germinate in 90 degree Fahrenheit conditions, and approximately 10 days when temperatures are at 70 degrees.
How often do you have to water watermelon?
Watering Watermelons They require plentiful regular, even watering for quick growing. Give watermelons 1 to 2 inches (2.5. -5cm) of water every week (1 inch equals 16 gallons/60.5 liters.) Keep the soil moist until the fruit reaches full size then stop watering while the fruit ripens.
Can Watermelon be grown in pots?
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.
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 time of the year do you plant watermelons?
Watermelon plants are also heavy feeders, so you might need to prepare compost if you don’t have nutrient-rich soil. If you live in the Australia’s temperate zone, seeds need to be sown sometime between October and December when daily temperatures average around 20-25 °C.
What can you not plant next to watermelon?
‘Sugar Baby’ Watermelon Avoid planting them near other crops that will shade them. Include flowers like dill, chamomile, cosmos and pineapple sage to attract predatory insects that eat melon pests, including beetles, caterpillars and aphids.
How do you prepare soil for watermelon?
Melons grow best on well-drained, sandy loam soils, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Soils with a pH less than 6.0 will produce plants with yellow foliage that set few or no fruit. You can improve your soil by adding well-rotted manure or compost in spring or fall.
How do you keep melons off the ground?
Other preventative measures you can take include keeping the watermelon off the ground as they grow and develop. Use a cage, plastic mulch, stakes, straw mulch or other materials to protect the fruit from the ground. You can even use a wooden board for the fruit to rest on as it matures.
How many melons does a plant produce?
During that time, a melon vine must grow 5-9 leaves before starting to flower, then set 4 or more male flowers before making its first female flower, and then ripen its first set of melons before cool damp weather sets in. Harvest: Expect one, possibly two melons per plant.
What is the best fertilizer for melons?
Ohio State University recommends a phosphorous- and potassium-heavy fertilizer for melons, with a mixture of 5-10-15 or 10-15-20 to enhance growth, flowering and fruiting All melons should start with a foundation of organic compost and starter fertilizer, then get a side dressing of synthetic or organic fertilizer when Jan 5, 2011.
