Watermelon – Dixie Queen – Citrullus lanatus
Soil & Water: Watermelon prefers light, loamy, fertile, deep, well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Add plenty of organic matter. Water plants amply until setting out, then water more sparingly. Mulch to prevent weed competition.
Planting & Growing: Start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost or sow seeds directly after frost. Set out 3-4 transplants per hill, selecting the strongest two when vines are 1-2′ long. Watermelons are large vining plants that can take over an extensive garden space. They can be trellised, but use slings to support the developing fruit.
Harvesting & Storage: Harvest melons when the tendril closest to the stem turns dry and brown and the stem becomes brittle. Eat fresh, freeze flesh in a honey-based syrup, or pickle the rind.
Soil Temperature: 70-85F
Planting Depth: 1/2″
Germination: 4-12 Days
Height At Maturity: 12-18″
Days To Maturity: 80 Days
Sun/Shade: Full Sun
Spacing After Thinning: 36-48″
