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Watermelon Growing Guide
Cucurbitaceae family
Days to Harvest90 days
SunlightFull Sun
Frost ToleranceNone
Spacing1/sqft (12" apart)
Germination4-12 days
HardinessVery Tender
Germ. Temp85°F
Start Indoors4 weeks before last frost
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Vining
- Flowering
- Fruiting / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 27 | Jun 8 | Jun 8 | Aug 22 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 27 | Jun 8 | Jun 8 | Aug 22 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 17 | May 29 | May 29 | Aug 12 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 27 | Jun 8 | Jun 8 | Aug 22 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 24 | Jun 5 | Jun 5 | Aug 19 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 17 | May 29 | May 29 | Aug 12 |
| Zone 4a | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 19 | Aug 2 |
| Zone 4b | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 15 | Jul 29 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 12 | Jul 26 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 12 | Jul 26 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 12 | Jul 26 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 18 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jul 13 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 18 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jul 13 |
| Zone 7b | Mar 13 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jul 8 |
| Zone 8a | Mar 8 | Apr 19 | Apr 19 | Jul 3 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 22 | Apr 5 | Apr 5 | Jun 19 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 20 | Apr 3 | Apr 3 | Jun 17 |
| Zone 9b | Feb 10 | Mar 24 | Mar 24 | Jun 7 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 6 | May 20 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 31 | Feb 11 | Feb 11 | Apr 27 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 31 | Feb 11 | Feb 11 | Apr 27 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 18 | Jan 29 | Jan 29 | Apr 14 |
| Zone 12a | Dec 4 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Mar 31 |
| Zone 12b | Dec 4 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Mar 31 |
| Zone 13a | Dec 4 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Mar 31 |
| Zone 13b | Dec 4 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Mar 31 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Watermelon?
Watermelon takes approximately 90 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Watermelon need?
Watermelon requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Watermelon?
Plant Watermelon at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Watermelon survive frost?
Watermelon is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.
What are good companion plants for Watermelon?
Good companion plants for Watermelon include Corn, Nasturtiums, Marigolds, Radishes. Avoid planting near Potatoes, Cucumbers.
How long does Watermelon take to germinate?
Watermelon seeds germinate in 4-12 days at an optimal temperature of 85°F.
When should I start Watermelon seeds indoors?
Start Watermelon seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 2 weeks after last frost.
Plan Your Watermelon Garden
Track Watermelon from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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