DIY: How to Grow Watermelon from Seed
- Prepare an egg carton or seed tray with potting soil.
- Begin by planting watermelon seeds ½-inch deep.
- Cover the seeds with soil.
- Water thoroughly but do not saturate.
- Label the type of watermelon on the seed cell.
- Place watermelon seed tray under grow lights or in a sunny spot indoors.
What is the best way to grow watermelon?
Till the soil.
- Watermelons like loamy, fertile, well-drained soil. To determine whether your soil gets good enough drainage, take a look at it after a heavy rain. ...
- To further enrich the soil, till compost into the top of layers.
- Watermelons grow best in soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. ...
How to grow watermelon from seed at home?
Sowing and Planting Tips:
- Grow watermelons from seeds or seedlings.
- Seed is viable for 4 to 5 years.
- Start watermelon seed indoors 8 to 6 weeks before transplanting seedlings to the garden; set out transplants 2 or more weeks after the last frost in spring.
- Sow seed indoors in peat pots filled with seed starting mix. ...
What is the best way to plant watermelons?
Starting seedlings
- Water the planting media thoroughly the day before planting.
- Make sure the soil temperature in the transplant containers is between 75-90 F. ...
- Plant your seeds about 1 inch deep.
- Do not water until plants emerge.
- Do not transplant until soil temperature reaches 60 F at least 3 inches below the surface of the soil.
What season is best for growing watermelons?
When to Plant Watermelons
- In cool climates with short growing seasons, start seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before your last frost date. ...
- In warmer climates with long growing seasons, sow seeds directly outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after your last frost date, as long as the soil temperature has warmed to at ...
- Young watermelon plants can also be bought from nurseries. ...
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Can you grow a watermelon from a fresh watermelon seeds?
Nothing beats the taste of sweet, juicy watermelon on a hot summer day. And if you live in a warm climate, growing your own is easy. You'll need at least three months of hot, sunny weather to grow watermelons from seed to fruit.
How do you prepare watermelon seeds for planting?
Simply scoop the seeds out of a watermelon, rinse them under water to remove any fruit pieces or fruit juices, and let them air-dry on a paper towel. In general, watermelon seeds stay viable for approximately four years. However, the longer you wait, the lower your chances of optimal germination.
How long does it take to grow watermelon from seed?
between 70 and 100 daysAbout Watermelons However, gardeners in colder climates can still have success in growing watermelons by starting seeds indoors or purchasing young plants from a nursery, and by growing shorter-season varieties. Depending on the variety of watermelon, it can take between 70 and 100 days to go from planting to harvest.
Can you plant a whole watermelon?
Choose 3- to 4-inch peat or other biodegradable pots so you can plant the whole thing and prevent transplant shock when you put them in your garden. Put two to three seeds per pot about ¼ to ½ inch deep and cover with soil and water.
How many watermelon seeds do you plant per hole?
Like most things in gardening, there are always exceptions to this rule of 2-3 seeds per hole. If you're planting large seeds like cucumbers, melons, or pumpkins, you should only use one seed per hole. However, you can still plant seeds close together and then thin them out once they've established themselves.
What is the best time to plant watermelon seeds?
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.
Do watermelons need full sun?
Regardless of what variety you grow in your pots, be sure to site the containers in a location where they receive a minimum of 8 hours of full sun per day. Watermelons will not form flowers or fruits if they don't get enough sun. 'Sugar Pot' and 'Bush Sugar Baby' are the best two choices for container growing.
Can watermelon be grown in pots?
You need to choose a pot that will be large enough for your container watermelon to thrive. Watermelons grow rapidly and require plenty of water, so it is recommended that you go with a 5-gallon (19 kg) or larger size container. Make sure that the container you will be growing watermelons in has enough drainage holes.
Is watermelon easy to grow?
The great news: watermelon is relatively easy to grow! It takes a long season and thrives in hot weather, but give it some space to sprawl, and it's mostly maintenance-free!
How do watermelons grow for beginners?
They require warm soil for germination and growth. Ideally, watermelons should be planted in 70 degrees F. This crop is needs consistent watering until germination. For those wanting to plant a little earlier than the spring season, protect watermelons by covering the planting area with black plastic.
Do you have to dry watermelon seeds before planting?
Soak the seeds in a dish of water, along with a drop of dish soap. This will remove any sugar that remains on the seeds. Rinse the seeds, pat them dry and spread them out on paper towels to dry. Allow the seeds to dry for about a week before storing them.
How do you germinate watermelon seeds in a paper towel?
To use this method:Tear a paper towel in half and moisten one of the halves.Place four or five seeds on half of the paper and fold the other half over the seeds.Blow open a clear, sandwich size zip-close bag.Place the paper with seeds inside and reseal the bag.More items...•
Do you dry watermelon seeds before planting?
Soak the seeds in a dish of water, along with a drop of dish soap. This will remove any sugar that remains on the seeds. Rinse the seeds, pat them dry and spread them out on paper towels to dry. Allow the seeds to dry for about a week before storing them.
Do melon seeds have to dry before planting?
Fresh cantaloupe seeds need to be dried and properly stored for future sowing. Spread the seeds on a sheet of newspaper or paper towels and set them in a warm, airy place to dry. To prevent mold and mildew growth on the seeds, stir them every day to ensure the whole seed is exposed to circulating air.
How do you germinate watermelon seeds in a paper towel?
To use this method:Tear a paper towel in half and moisten one of the halves.Place four or five seeds on half of the paper and fold the other half over the seeds.Blow open a clear, sandwich size zip-close bag.Place the paper with seeds inside and reseal the bag.More items...•
What is the fastest way to germinate melon seeds?
2:065:27How to: Grow Melons from Seed (A Step by Step Guide) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen just make sure you place the lid down and leave it in a warm place for a week or. So. Now theseMoreThen just make sure you place the lid down and leave it in a warm place for a week or. So. Now these seem to germinate really quickly and this is their progress only 10 days.
How to start watermelon seeds indoors?
How to start watermelon seedlings indoors (only recommended for cooler climates or to ensure germination) Fill a large seedling pot or soil block with seed starting medium. We like to use coco coir (4 parts), vermiculite (2 parts), and perlite (1 part). Sow 2-3 seeds in each pot (this will ensure germination of at least one), ...
How to transplant watermelon seeds?
Transplant on a warm but not hot day that is preferably overcast with calm winds. Water your watermelon seed lings thoroughly about an hour before you plan on transplanting them. If using a plantable seed starting method (like newspaper pots, peat pots, or soil blocks), plant the seedling directly into the soil.
How much water do watermelon plants need?
Just like most other plants in your veggie garden, watermelons need 1 to 2 inches of water per week to grow adequately. This is particularly important when the watermelon plants are setting and growing fruit.
How to hand pollinate watermelon?
These are the watermelon flowers that do not have a tiny watermelon on the stem. Take a soft paintbrush or cotton swab and run it along the middle of the flower.
How to tell when a watermelon is ready?
Then knock on the one you think might be ready. When the watermelon is ready, it’ll sound hollow compared to the unripe watermelon.
How long does it take for watermelon to grow?
Watermelon requires a relatively long growing season (about 80-90 days from sowing the seeds), and it wants absolutely nothing to do with cool weather. Plant your watermelon when the soil has warmed to around 70ºF and there are no longer any cool nights in the forecast.
How much water is in a watermelon?
A watermelon is made up of 92% water—if you want big, juicy watermelons, make sure your plants stay well watered! Growfully Protip. The sprawling vines and large canopy of leaves of a watermelon vine can act like a mulch to help retain soil moisture and prevent weed competition around your watermelon plants.
Choosing The Right Watermelon To Plant In Your Garden
Choosing the right watermelon to grow can get very technical and oftentimes confusing. Like most fruits and vegetables that can simply and easily be broken down into hybrid and open-pollinated, watermelons can bend, and sometimes break the rules especially when it comes to pollination.
Seedless Watermelons
The first thing to know about seedless watermelons is that they are actually not technically seedless. No doubt you’ve cut into a watermelon and seen the small white seeds that are dispersed through the fruit.
Seeded Watermelons
This is the more traditional watermelon that most people have grown to know through the years. Seeded watermelons have thick black seeds within the fruit that are fertile and, depending on the variety, can be saved and planted for another crop. Not all seeds from traditional watermelons can be saved, though.
Growing Watermelons From Seed
As any gardener knows, when you have a plant that can either be directly planted in the ground or transplanted, there are pros and cons to both. At HOSS, we always err on the side of starting your watermelon seeds in trays because it has proven to be a more successful strategy for our gardens and our space.
Watermelon Indoor Seed Starting Dates
Watermelon seeds should be started indoors at least 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date for your zone. We recommend using our 162 Seed Trays for best results. Zone 10 – December 15th Zone 9 – January 15th Zone 8 – February 20th Zone 7 – March 15th Zone 6 – April 1st Zone 5 – April 20th
Seed Start Supply List
Depending on your preference, you can choose to start your seeds indoors with a light kit or outdoors in a greenhouse setting. Below is a list of all the essentials to begin growing your watermelons from seed and get them ready for transplant.
Planting Your Watermelon Seeds
Fill each cell in the trays completely with seed starting mix. Use your hands to pack the mix into each cell.
How to Grow Watermelon from Seed Indoors
When starting watermelon seeds, keep in mind that they do not need to pre-soak for better germination. In fact doing so can lead to fungal issues. You will also want the freshest seeds you can get for best results. You should also choose a variety that is best suited for your area.
How to Plant Watermelon Seeds Outdoors
In a similar fashion to starting seeds indoors, you will moisten the soil before planting. Additionally, only start seeds outdoors if you live in a warm climate. The soil news to be at least 60 degrees 3 inches down and the danger of frost needs to completely have passed.
Things to Know before Growing Watermelon from Seed
While some plant seeds grow quite well no matter where you sow them, watermelons are a different story. These plants take some time to grow and are finicky about their care.
How to Plant Watermelon Seeds Indoors
It’s always useful to start your seeds inside where the temperature is consistently warm a month or two before transplanting them in the garden, especially if you live in an area with a shorter growing season. Find out how to plant watermelon seeds indoors and care for them for healthy germination.
How to Grow Watermelon from Seed in the Garden
After your watermelon seeds germinate, it’s time to prepare them for the outdoors after the danger of frost is no longer a threat and the soil temperature is just right. Prepare the garden bed and transplant your seedlings in the ground with the right spacing.
What Do Watermelons Need to Grow Healthy?
After transplanting your plants, it’s time to give them some TLC. Watermelons desire the right amount of watering and fertilizing to thrive, and there are certain steps to take to keep your plants safe from pests and diseases. Discover how to care for your watermelon patch to produce healthy melons.
Harvesting and Storing Watermelons
You’ve gone through the entire growing process, from seed sowing to garden maintenance, and now the time of harvest draws near. How long do watermelon fruits take to grow? Learn when and how to harvest your melons for the perfect ripeness and storage tips to keep them fresh as long as possible.
Using Garden Watermelons to Make Salad
We are all familiar with a fruit salad filled with melons and grapes, but what about a melon salad with cheese? This unusual watermelon salad contains feta cheese and cucumber, and its refreshing flavor will leave your family and friends pleasantly surprised.
How to get watermelon seeds to grow?
1. Put the watermelon seeds into a glass or plastic container and fill the container with water. Stir the seeds around with a spoon to wash off the pulp. Let them sit in the water at room temperature for two to three days, stirring them gently once each day.
How to get seeds out of watermelon?
4. Avoid putting salt on the watermelon if you are going to collect the seeds. Wash the soil off the watermelon with clean water before cutting it open. Seeds can be collected when the watermelon is eaten or you can cut the watermelon open and pick the seeds out by hand.
What happens when watermelon is ripe?
When the watermelon is ripe, the curly tendril on the vine will dry up and turn brown and the white spot on the bottom of the watermelon will turn yellow. The watermelon will also lose its shine and become dull-looking. ...
How to dry seeds in a colander?
Remove the seeds from the container with a spoon or by pouring them into a colander. Spread the seeds out on several layers of paper towel or newspaper and let them dry at room temperature. Dry them in an area that is slightly warmer than room temperature and has good air circulation, like the top of your refrigerator.
When to collect watermelon seeds?
But you can also easily collect seeds from ripe watermelons in the summer and store them for planting the following spring. Collecting the seeds also allows you to grow your favorite variety year after year. Steps.
Can you tell if a watermelon is cross pollinated?
While you can use seeds that have been collected from a watermelon that has been purchased from a store or local vendor, there is no way to tell from the watermelon whether or not it has been cross pollinated. So, the watermelons that grow from the seeds may be different from the watermelon you bought.
Can you use watermelon seeds from a different cultivar?
Use seeds from watermelons that have not been grown in a garden with a different watermelon cultivar. Watermelons cross pollinate, so seeds collected from a watermelon that was cross-pollinated with a different cultivar may produce watermelons that do not have the desired characteristics. While you can use seeds that have been collected ...
How cold does it have to be to sow watermelon seeds?
Direct sowing of seedless melons must occur when the soil is at a minimum of 70 degrees F. (21 C.).
How to transplant watermelon?
Dig holes in the ground for the transplants. Place one-seeded watermelon in the first row and transplant seedless watermelons into the next two holes. Continue to stagger your plantings, with one-seeded variety to every two seedless. Water the transplants in and wait, about 85-100 days, for the fruit to mature.
How many chromosomes are in a watermelon seed?
To produce a seedless watermelon, a chemical process is used to double the number of chromosomes. So, 22 chromosomes are doubled to 44, called a tetraploid. Then, the pollen from a diploid is placed on the female flower of the plant with 44 chromosomes. The resulting seed has 33 chromosomes, a triploid or seedless watermelon.
How many chromosomes are in a seedless watermelon?
Seedless melons are referred to as triploid melons while ordinary seeded watermelons are called diploid melons, meaning, that a typical watermelon has 22 chromosomes (diploid) while a seedless watermelon has 33 chromosomes (triploid). To produce a seedless watermelon, a chemical process is used to double the number of chromosomes.
How hot should watermelon be planted?
Ideally, the seedless watermelon seeds should be planted in a greenhouse or the like with temps between 75-80 degrees F. (23-26 C.). Direct seeding in commercial enterprises is very difficult. Overseeding and then thinning is a costly solution, as seeds run from 20-30 cents per seed.
Is a watermelon seedless?
First off, seedless watermelons are not completely seed-free. There are some small, almost transparent, seeds to be found in the melon; they are unremarkable and edible. Occasionally, you will find a “true” seed in a seedless variety. Seedless varieties are hybrids and are derived from a fairly complex process.
Do hybrids breed from seed?
Hybrids, if you remember, do not breed true from seed. You may end up with a mutt of a plant with a mix of traits. In the case of seedless watermelon, the seeds are actually sterile. The best analogy is that of a mule. Mules are a cross between a horse and a donkey, but mules are sterile, so you can’t breed mules together to get more mules.
How cold does watermelon need to be to germinate?
Initially, seed germination of seedless watermelon was quite low. One solution is to keep seed warm (90°F) until it germinates and emerges from the planting media. Still, this is difficult in cool climates where well water can have temperatures in the 40°F range.
When did seedless watermelon start?
Commercial production of seedless watermelon began in the 1990s. Since then it has steadily increased to be a major part of today’s watermelon market.
How many chromosomes are in a watermelon?
The standard number of chromosomes in watermelon is 22. This is called the diploid number (di meaning two, as in dissect – cut in two). With this even number, cell division is highly regular and produces pollen and egg cells with 11 chromosomes that recombine to produce seed with the usual 22 chromosomes.
How to keep seeds warm in greenhouse?
Each time the seeds are watered it lowers their temperature. On a small scale, warm temperatures can be maintained by watering transplant flats, covering them and letting them heat up in the sun in the greenhouse for a day or more. Then, plant the seed and cover them again until seedlings emerge.
How long does it take for a sage to grow?
Either process will take four to five days. After emergence, seedlings are then finished off in the greenhouse for three weeks and then transplanted to the field late May or early June.
Is a watermelon a diploid?
Since the pollen of these plants is not viable, a diploid, seeded watermelon needs to be planted along with ...
