Watermelon is popular as a summer fruit, known for its sweetness and refreshing characteristic. It’s a nutrient-dense fruit, which is eaten raw, or as juice and dessert. So, start growing watermelon seeds in your garden by following these simple methods to get access to this low-maintenance fruit.

Steps to sow watermelon seeds:

1. To germination watermelon seeds, take a seedling tray and fill it with coco peat.
2. Make a 0.5-inch deep hole and put 2 seeds in the hole.
3. Fill the hole with coco peat and spray some water.
4. Once it starts growing 4-5 leaves transplant them in large containers or soil.

How long does watermelon seeds take to germinate?

It takes 7-14 days to germinate.

Sowing period of watermelon seeds: 

November – February or March.

What is the water requirement to grow watermelon seeds?

• Water 4-6 times a week.
• Or water the plant 1-2litres per week.
• Reduce watering the plant once the fruits start growing.
• Avoid watering on the leaves.
• Make a good drainage system.

What is the best fertilizer for watermelon?

• Watermelons are great feeders.
• If you are planting them in pots or containers, give a potting mix before transplanting the sapling.
• If planting in soil, make sure to add VermiCompost, seaweed fertilizer, cow dung, and vegetable peels or banana peels.

Soil type:

• The watermelon prefers loamy or sandy loam and well-drained soil.
• It prefers growing in soil pH between 6 to 6.8.

Temperature range to grow: 

Melon seeds grow best in temperatures ranging from 20-35 degrees C. 

How many hours of sunlight are required to grow watermelons?

It requires full sunlight, i.e., a minimum of 6hours of sunlight.

Harvesting process: 

• If the tendril is green, wait for harvesting for a few days. If the tendril is half dead then it’s nearly ripe and if the tendril is dead then it may be overripe.
• Check the bottom, if it’s creamy or yellow-colored then it’s ripe but if the bottom is white then the melon is green.
• For up to 10 days the watermelon can be stored after harvesting without cutting.

Time to fruit/flower:

It takes 12 weeks/80days to mature.

Health benefits of eating watermelon:

• It consists of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, Vitamin B1, B5, and B6.
• Keeps you hydrated.
• Improves heart health and prevents cancer.
• Good for skin and hair.
• Helps in improving muscle sore or inflammation.