Ruqayyah Snyder
Watermelon is a juicy fruit that is surprisingly easy to grow at home, even in Australia. It is a native of hot, dry regions, so it requires warm temperatures and lots of sunlight. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about growing watermelons in Australia, from the best planting times to potential issues, so you can cultivate healthy and productive watermelon plants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plant type | Fast-growing herbaceous annual creeping/running vine |
| Height | Less than 50 cm |
| Spread | 2 m+ |
| Foliage | Large, up to 25 cm, bright green, often lobed, generally have a distinct “hand” of veins, coarse texture and a hairy, almost prickly, feel |
| Climate | Tropical, sub-tropical; warm and cool temperate if planted in the right location |
| Soil | Well-drained sandy loam with added manures or compost |
| Position | Full sun; will tolerate a little wind |
| Soil temperature for seedling | 21–35°C |
| Soil temperature for germination | 20°C-30°C |
| Time to germinate | 3 days at 30°C, 10 days at 20°C |
| Time to harvest | 60-120 days |
| Flowering and fruiting | Yellow flowers followed by large, round to oval-shaped fruit with sweet, moist red, pink or yellow flesh |
| Feeding | Feed at planting and apply liquid organic products during growth and fruit development |
| Watering | Best growth and fruiting come with reliable moisture; water when the soil is dry about 5 cm below the surface |
| Pests | Aphids |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right watermelon variety
Size and Space Constraints
Watermelons are sprawling, creeping vines that require ample space to grow. They can spread over an area of 4 to 6 meters in diameter. If you have a small backyard or limited space, consider choosing compact varieties bred for smaller spaces, such as 'Golden Midget' or 'Sweet Siberia'. These varieties can be grown in large pots or containers, making them ideal for those with limited gardening areas.
Climate and Temperature
Watermelons are native to hot, dry regions and thrive in warm temperatures. If you live in a cooler climate or an area prone to frost, select watermelon varieties that mature faster, such as 'Golden Midget', 'Sweet Siberia', or 'Little Darling'. These varieties can help ensure a successful harvest before the cooler weather sets in. Additionally, start seeds indoors or in a warm, sheltered spot to protect them from frost damage.
Soil Type and Drainage
Watermelons perform best in well-drained, sandy loam soil with added organic matter, manure, or compost. If your soil is clay-based or has poor drainage, consider improving it with gypsum or other amendments. Choosing watermelon varieties that are known to thrive in your specific soil type can increase your chances of a healthy harvest.
Harvest Time and Maturity
Watermelons have different maturity rates, with some varieties taking as little as 60 days to mature, while others may take up to 100 days or more. If you want to enjoy your harvest earlier in the season, opt for faster-maturing varieties. Determinate or bush watermelons tend to mature slightly faster than indeterminate varieties. Additionally, consider the size of the fruit. Smaller watermelon varieties, such as 'Little Darling', may be preferable if you have limited space or want a quicker harvest.
Personal Preferences
Lastly, consider your personal preferences for fruit size, colour, and taste. Watermelons come in various sizes, ranging from a few kilograms to over 45 kilograms. The fruit's colour can vary from deep green with stripes to near black with golden patterns. Some varieties, like 'Charleston Gray', are known for their sweet pink flesh, while others may have yellow or red flesh. Choose a variety that appeals to your taste buds and visual preferences.
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Preparing the soil
Watermelon plants need a well-drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Prepare the soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it, and adding aged animal manure or compost. Keep the area free of weeds until planting.
The watermelon is a native of hot, dry regions and will not tolerate any frost. They can be grown in virtually any region, provided you get the timing right when planting. In most parts of Australia, watermelons are typically planted during late spring to early summer when the soil has warmed up, and the risk of frost has passed. For regions with cooler climates, it’s essential to wait until the soil has reached a minimum temperature of 21°C (70°F) before planting watermelon seeds or seedlings. In northern regions with warmer winters, watermelon planting can begin in early spring.
To get a head start on the growing season, you can start watermelon seeds indoors in biodegradable pots about three to four weeks before the last expected frost date. The germination temperature and days to germinate vary by variety—with germination in about three days at 30°C and about 10 days at 20°C. As a general rule of thumb, factor in about 14 days for germination. Remember, watermelon seeds grow best when they are sown directly into the garden. Sow seeds directly in the garden 20mm deep and 60-80cm apart, with rows 150-180cm apart.
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Planting and germination
In Australia, watermelons are typically planted during late spring to early summer when the soil has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed. In regions with cooler climates, it is essential to wait until the soil has reached a minimum temperature of 21°C before planting watermelon seeds or seedlings. In northern regions with warmer winters, watermelon planting can begin in early spring. To get a head start on the growing season, you can start watermelon seeds indoors in biodegradable pots about 3 to 4 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant the seedlings outdoors once the soil temperature has warmed up to between 21°C and 35°C.
Watermelons love the heat and need warm soils to germinate and grow. They do not like frost. Choose a spot in the garden that receives at least 6 hours of full sun each day and has plenty of room for your watermelon to spread. Germination is best when the potting mix is warm, so put the pots somewhere that will capture heat, such as against a north-facing brick wall or on top of a water heater. Seeds can also be planted directly in warm soils. Sow 2-3 seeds together, leaving plenty of space between other groupings.
The soil should be well-drained sandy loam with added manures or compost. Prepare the soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it, and adding aged animal manure or compost. Watermelon seeds should be sown directly into the garden 20mm deep and 60-80cm apart, with rows 150-180cm apart. Keep the area free of weeds until planting.
Watermelon plants may need watering during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface. Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon, and avoid watering the leaves of the plants to prevent fungal diseases.
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Care and maintenance
Watermelons require a lot of space to grow, as they send out long vines and tend to sprawl. They need a long, warm season to mature and thrive in warm temperatures, preferably with soil temperatures between 21°C and 35°C. They are sensitive to cold temperatures and cannot tolerate frost, so in cooler zones, they should be planted in the warmest, most sheltered spot. In regions prone to frost, it is best to wait until the possibility has passed before planting.
Watermelons grow best in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours per day. They need well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, compost, and manure. The soil should be sandy loam, and it is important to keep the area free of weeds. Before planting, prepare the soil by weeding, digging it over to loosen it, and adding manure or compost.
Watermelons need regular, deep watering to establish strong plants and develop sweet fruit. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. Fertiliser is not necessary if the soil is well-prepared, but in poor soil, a balanced fertiliser or one formulated for fruit and vegetables can be beneficial.
To manage the size of the plant and encourage fruit-bearing side shoots to form, pinch out the vine's growing tip when it is 1-2m long or has started flowering. As the fruit starts to develop, place straw or sugar cane mulch underneath to protect it from rotting on the soil. In extreme heat, move nearby vines to cast shade on exposed fruit to prevent sun scald.
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Harvesting
Watermelons typically take 70 to 120 days to be ready for harvest, with some varieties taking as little as 60 days and others taking up to 100 days. The exact time it takes for watermelons to mature depends on various factors, including the variety of watermelon, weather conditions, soil quality, and the care provided. Determinate watermelon varieties, also known as bush or compact watermelons, tend to mature faster than indeterminate varieties. Indeterminate varieties will continue to produce new flowers and fruits throughout the growing season until the first frost.
In most parts of Australia, watermelons are typically planted during late spring to early summer, and harvested in the summer months. In regions with cooler climates, it is important to wait until the soil has reached a minimum temperature of 21°C before planting. In northern regions with warmer winters, planting can begin in early spring.
You'll know a watermelon is ready to harvest when the tendril opposite where the fruit is attached to the vine turns from green to brown. Another way to test for ripeness is to firmly tap each fruit and listen for a hollow sound, or look for a slight yellowing on the underside of the fruit. Ripe fruit will be heavy for their size and have a sweet aroma.
To harvest, cut the melons from the vine, leaving 5-10cm of stem attached. Harvested fruit can be stored in the fridge and is best eaten within a few days.
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Frequently asked questions
In most parts of Australia, watermelons are typically planted during late spring to early summer when the soil has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed. In regions with cooler climates, wait until the soil reaches a minimum temperature of 21°C. In northern regions with warmer winters, watermelon planting can begin in early spring.
Watermelons are native to hot, dry regions and will not tolerate frost. They need warm soil to germinate and grow. Choose a spot in the garden that receives at least 6 hours of full sun each day. The soil should be well-drained sandy loam with added manure or compost.
It typically takes several months before watermelons are ready to harvest. Smaller varieties take about 60 days, while larger varieties can take up to 90 days or more. The time to maturity depends on factors such as the watermelon variety, weather conditions, and soil quality.
