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Watermelon
UC Links
How to grow: Watermelon, UC Davis Vegetable Research and Information Center
Pest management: Watermelon cultural tips, pests, and diseases
The Basics
When to plant
- Transplant or direct seed: May–June.
- For best results, wait until daytime temperatures are regularly over 75°F and soil temperature is over 70°F.
- Start in pots for transplants: April–May; ready to transplant in 4 weeks.
Harvest window: July–October, depending on variety.
Care overview
- Vines need plenty of room in full sun.
- Use floating row covers to protect seedlings and transplants from cool air temperatures and early insect pests. Remove the covers when plants start to blossom.
- Encourage bees with companion flower planting or consider hand pollinating female flowers.
More links
- 2006 watermelon trial
- Fruit Set Problems in Squash, Melons, and Cucumbers In Home Gardens
- Harvest and Storage
- Watermelon production in California
Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County*
| Sweet Siberian | Red flesh, and dark green seeds. 83 days. Very prolific. |
| Osh Kirgizia |
Russian variety with sweet pink-red flesh. Weight from 10 to 15 lbs, round shape, pink flesh, small brown seeds, some reddish. 95 days. |
| Orangeglo |
Large 20 to 30 lb oblong fruit, very sweet crisp and flavorful with deep orange flesh. The rind is light-green with jagged dark green strips. Harvest period was 105 to 150 days from seeding. |
Other recommended varieties: Charleston Gray, Moon & Stars
* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.