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 a 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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Watermelon does best with regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
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
Combine Watermelon with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Watermelon
Plant Sale lists Watermelon as seed and seedlings. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Watermelon seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
