Long, hot summers reward you with heavy, sweet, thirst-quenching fruit on a sprawling vine. Needs warmth, room and a free-draining sandy bed to ripen well.
At a glance
- Plant type: Edible plant
- Mature size: 40 cm tall
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Watermelon
Botanically, Citrullus lanatus is an fast-growing edible plant in the Cucurbitaceae family. It reaches around 40 cm tall at maturity.
Where to grow Watermelon
Watermelon suits subtropical, tropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Watermelon does best in free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Watermelon is regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Watermelon in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Watermelon in the garden
Watermelon earns its place for edible harvests.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Watermelon with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Watermelon
Plant Sale lists Watermelon as seed and seedlings. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Watermelon seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.