Watermelon
Citrullus lanatus · Cucurbitaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant watermelon: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Watermelon
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Form
- Trailing annual herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- June to September
- Adult size
- Stems 1 to 3 m in length
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender (harvest before first frost)
- Origin
- South Africa and West Africa
- Growth
- Fast (100 to 120 days until harvest)
Care
Watering
Watermelon requires regular and deep watering, especially during hot periods and as the fruits develop. Keep the soil moist but not saturated to prevent rot. Water preferably in early morning at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage.
Sunlight
Place watermelon in full sun (minimum 6 to 8 hours daily) to ensure good photosynthesis and optimal sugar concentration. A south-facing exposure is ideal in temperate regions.
Soil and preparation
Plant in rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Incorporate well-decomposed compost or manure before planting. Light mulch at the base helps retain moisture and protects fruits from direct soil contact.
Fertilizer and nutrition
Apply balanced fertilizer at planting time. Once flowers appear, use a fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium to promote fruiting. Regular feeding every 2 to 3 weeks supports growth and fruit development.
Pruning and training
Lightly prune the main stems to encourage branching and increase fruit production. Limit to 2 or 3 fruits per plant for larger, higher-quality fruits. Remove weak or diseased stems.
Diseases and pests
Watch for powdery mildew and leaf spots, common in humid conditions: maintain good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Aphids and spider mites may attack young leaves. If infested, intervene quickly using gentle, natural solutions.
Did you know?
Watermelon was a symbol of fertility in ancient Egypt and appears in pharaonic tomb frescoes. In Southeast Asia, square-shaped or silhouette watermelons have been cultivated since the 1960s, grown in molds, and are considered culinary works of art.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- MelonCucumis melo
- CucumberCucumis sativus
- ZucchiniCucurbita pepo
- Cucurbita moschataCucurbita moschata
- Southern ginsengGynostemma pentaphyllum
- Winter squashCucurbita maxima
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.