Damon Mcknight
Watermelon is a fast-growing, juicy fruit that can be grown in virtually any region of Australia, provided you get the timing right. In temperate areas, sow or plant during spring, and in cooler climates, wait to plant until after the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has increased. In tropical and subtropical climates, watermelon can be grown year-round, but it's important to note that they thrive in warm, dry conditions and don't cope well with soggy, humid summer weather.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plant type | Fast-growing herbaceous annual creeping/running vine |
| Height | Less than 50cm, with a spread of 2m+ |
| Foliage | Large, up to 25cm, 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 sowing | 21–35°C |
| Seedling soil temperature | 21–35°C |
| Germination temperature | 20-30°C |
| Days to germination | 3-10 days |
| Days to harvest | 60-114 days |
| Harvest time | When the part in contact with the ground is turning yellow and the fruit sounds hollow when tapped |
| Watering | Reliable moisture; will not tolerate soggy, humid conditions |
| Feeding | Feed at planting and apply liquid organic products during growth and fruit development |
| Flowering and fruiting | Both male and female flowers are required; hand pollination may be necessary |
| Compatibility | Sweetcorn, Sunflowers |
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What You'll Learn
Best months for growing in temperate regions
In temperate regions of Australia, watermelons are best planted in spring, once the danger of frost has passed. They need a long, warm season to mature, with days of 20-35°C and night temperatures over 18°C. The seeds should be sown in seed trays in August, and the seedlings transplanted from October to December. They can be grown in virtually any region of Australia, provided you get the timing right.
Watermelons are native to hot, dry regions and will not tolerate frost. They can grow in near-drought conditions, but they do need plenty of sun and space for their vigorous vines to ramble. If you're short on space, you can try training the vines upwards.
Watermelon seeds tend to prefer very warm temperatures for germination, with seeds germinating in about 3 days at 30°C and about 10 days at 20°C. It is recommended to allow around 14 days for germination as a general rule of thumb.
The time from seed to harvest varies by variety, with smaller varieties taking about 60 days and larger varieties taking closer to 90 days. Most varieties will be ready to harvest in 12-17 weeks, or 114 days for the largest varieties. You'll know they're ready when the part of the fruit in contact with the ground turns yellow and the fruit sounds hollow when tapped.
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Germination and harvest times
Watermelon seeds should be sown in seed trays in August, and transplanted from October to December. The seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately three times the diameter of the seed. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 21°C and 35°C. If the soil is cooler than this, it's recommended to start the seeds in pots in a warm, sunny spot and transplant them once the soil has warmed up.
Watermelon seeds typically germinate in about 3 days at 30°C, 10 days at 20°C, or somewhere in between these durations if the temperature is in between. As a general rule, it's best to factor in about 14 days for germination.
The time from seedling to harvest depends on the variety of watermelon. Smaller varieties may take about 60 days to mature, while larger varieties can take up to 90 days or more. Overall, it's best to allow 114 days for most watermelon varieties, and about 120 days for the largest varieties.
Harvest time for watermelons is typically between 12 and 17 weeks after planting. The watermelons are ready to harvest when the part of the fruit in contact with the ground turns yellow and the fruit sounds hollow when tapped. The tendrils on the stem closest to the fruit will also turn brown.
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Preparing the ground
In Australia, watermelons are typically grown during the warm summer months, with the ideal planting time being from October to December. To ensure a successful watermelon crop, it is essential to properly prepare the ground before planting. Here are the steps you should follow:
Select a Sunny Location
Watermelons thrive in sunny and warm conditions, so choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun. Ensure the site gets at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, as this will promote healthy growth and fruit development. Avoid shaded areas or places that are prone to strong winds, which can damage the vines and reduce fruit yield.
Prepare the Soil
Loamy, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is ideal for watermelons. Start by clearing the planting area of any weeds or debris. Then, use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 30 cm. This will provide ample space for the watermelon's extensive root system to develop. Break up any large clumps of soil and mix in organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or compost, to improve drainage and add nutrients to the soil.
Create Hills or Raised Beds
Watermelons grow well in hills or raised beds, which provide good drainage and help retain warmth, benefiting their roots. To create hills, form mounds of soil about 30 cm high and 1 metre wide, leaving enough space between the hills for the vines to spread. For raised beds, construct a frame and fill it with a rich soil mixture, ensuring it's at least 30 cm deep.
Add Fertilizer
Enhance the soil's fertility by incorporating a balanced fertilizer into the planting area. Apply a complete fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 blend, following the manufacturer's instructions for proper dosage and application methods. Work the fertilizer into the You may want to see also 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 temperate zones, you can sow seeds from September to December. If you are in an area prone to frost, it is best to wait until the possibility of frost has passed before planting. 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. Transplant the seedlings outdoors once the soil temperature has warmed up. Keep in mind that watermelons are sensitive to cold temperatures and can be damaged by frost. If the weather suddenly turns cold after planting, protect your watermelon plants with frost covers or cloths. If you plant a number of plants a few weeks apart, you can extend your harvest period from late spring through to early winter or the first frost, whichever comes first. When planting watermelons, it is important to choose large and deep containers with a capacity of at least 30 litres to provide enough space for the roots to grow. Ensure the containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Place the containers in a sunny location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Watermelons require full sun for optimal growth and fruit development. You may want to see also Watermelons are warm-season plants that thrive in hot and sunny weather. They are typically planted in Australia during late spring to early summer when the soil has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed. In temperate zones, seeds are sown between October and December when temperatures average 20-25°C. Watermelons are not the quickest crop to mature, but with proper care and optimal growing conditions, you can expect a harvest within 70 to 90 days. Smaller varieties can take around 60 days, while larger varieties can take up to 90 days or more. The exact time varies depending on the variety, weather, soil quality, and care provided. Determinate varieties tend to mature faster than indeterminate ones, which produce new flowers and fruits until the first frost. To extend your harvest period, plant several watermelon plants a few weeks apart. This can lengthen your harvest from late spring through to early winter or the first frost. You may want to see also Spring is the best time to start growing watermelon in most areas of Australia. In warmer climates, they can be grown all year round. Sowing seed directly in the soil is the best way to grow watermelons. If you are in an arid or subtropical area, you can buy established seedlings for planting. The ideal soil temperature for growing watermelons is between 21°C and 35°C. It takes 12-17 weeks for watermelons to grow in Australia. Some varieties can take up to 20 weeks. Watermelons are ready to harvest when the underside of the fruit in contact with the soil turns yellow, the fruit gives a dull, hollow sound when tapped, and the small curly tendril on the stem closest to the fruit turns brown.Make Money While Pregnant: An Australian Guide
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