Watermelon
Citrullus lanatus
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Watermelon grows in full sun and prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Water needs: Moderate.
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How to Grow Watermelon
Watermelon growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun, soil conditions listed as Well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a soil pH of 6.0-6.5, and Moderate water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 3-11. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Watermelon as 4-14 days, with planting or establishment depth listed as 1 inch. Days to maturity are listed as 70-100 days.
Plant Overview
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is listed in the Cucurbitaceae family and categorized as a fruit with an annual life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Beginner.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0019
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Plant type
- Fruit
- Life cycle
- Annual
- Growth habit
- Long trailing warm-season vine
- Mature spread
- Approximately 6-12 ft or more depending on cultivar
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Growing Conditions
Watermelon is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate. The database soil reference is Well-drained sandy or loamy soil. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-6.5, and the listed hardiness range is 3-11.
- Hardiness zones
- 3-11
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Well-drained sandy or loamy soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0-6.5
- Water needs
- Moderate
- Plant spacing
- 3-6 ft between plants with room for vines
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 4-14 days and the seed depth is 1 inch. The listed time to maturity is 70-100 days. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 4-14 days
- Germination temperature
- About 70-95°F
- Seed depth
- 1 inch
- Sowing method
- Direct sow after soil warms or start indoors briefly before transplanting
- Transplanting
- Transplant carefully after frost danger has passed and soil is warm
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 70-100 days
- Harvest
- Harvest when the tendril nearest the fruit has dried, the ground spot has turned creamy yellow, the rind has become dull rather than glossy, and the fruit gives a deep hollow sound when tapped
- Propagation
- Primarily by seed
- Pollination
- Separate male and female flowers; bees are important
Garden Information
- Common pests
- Cucumber beetles, aphids, spider mites and squash bugs
- Common diseases
- Powdery mildew, fusarium wilt, anthracnose and gummy stem blight
- Uses
- Fresh eating, fruit salads, beverages and preserves
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.