Plant after the soil is warm and when all danger of frost is past. Watermelons grow best on a sandy loam soil, although yields on clay soils can be increased significantly by mulching raised planting rows with black plastic film. Watermelon vines require considerable space. Plant seed one inch deep in hills spaced 6 feet apart.
Allow 7 to 10 feet between rows. After the seedlings are established, thin to the best three plants per hill. Plant single transplants 2 to 3 feet apart or double transplants 4 to 5 feet apart in the rows. Start the seeds inside 3 weeks before they are to be set out in the garden. Plant 2 or 3 seeds in peat pellets, peat pots or cell packs and thin to the best one or two plants. For expensive seedless types, plant one seed to a pot or cell and discard those that do not germinate.
Do not start too early - large watermelon seedlings transplant poorly. Growing transplants inside requires a warm temperature, ideally between 80 and 85°F. Place black plastic film over the row before planting.
Use a starter fertilizer when transplanting. If you grow seedless melons, you must plant a standard seeded variety alongside. The seedless melon varieties do not have the fertile pollen necessary to pollinate and set the fruit. Many home gardeners experience difficulty in determining when watermelons are ripe. Use a combination of the following indicators: (1) light green, curly tendrils on the stem near the point of attachment of the melon usually turn brown and dry; (2) the surface color of the fruit turns dull; (3) the skin becomes resistant to penetration by the thumbnail and is rough to the touch; and (4) the bottom of the melon (where it lies on the soil) turns from light green to a yellowish color.
Nutrition Facts (1 wedge, or 1/16 of a melon, about 1-2/3 cup) Calories 91.52 Protein 1.77 grams Carbohydrates 20.54 grams Dietary Fiber 1.43 grams Potassium 331.76 mg Vitamin C 27.46 mg Vitamin A 1046.76 IU (Approximately 200 - 400 seeds per oz., Small approximately 550 to 750 seeds per ounce)
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Sugar baby watermelon is a very popular melon in the summer and takes up small space in a garden.
Moon and Stars Watermelon-35 Ct.
Plant produces good yields of deep green watermelon with yellow dots.
Plant produces good yields of 35 lb long light green skin watermelon with dark green stripes.
Georgia Rattlesnake Watermelon - 35 Ct.
Plant produces good yields of 40 lb watermelons.
Florida Giant Watermelon-35 Ct.
Plant produces beautiful 45 lb round deep green watermelons.
Days to maturity 90 days, direct sow/ indoor sow , full sun , 8-10 " tall , Block shape 14-16 by 16 " long fruit size.
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