Personal Size Watermelons
Mini Love
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Plant heat loving watermelons only when spring weather is warmed and night temperatures are consistently above 55°F (13°C). Amend soil well with aged manure or compost. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in slightly mounded hills that are 3 feet apart, sowing 4 or 5 seeds in each hill. Thin to the three strongest seedlings in each hill so plants have room to grow and mature. Or, grow 1 plant per foot in rows.
FOR CONTAINERS
Sow directly into containers at least 18 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Sow 2 seeds in the center of the pot, then thin to just 1 strong seedling per pot. For larger containers, grow plants at final spacing of 8-10 inches apart.
GROWING NOTES
Protect seedlings from marauding birds with plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Feed container plants every other week with a liquid, all-purpose fertilizer. A good mulch will aid shallow rooted watermelon plants, which require ample and consistent moisture in hot dry weather. Avoid overly wet or dry periods for good quality fruit. In hot dry weather, check and water plants in containers daily.
HARVEST AND USE
Pick melons when the tendril closest to the fruit turns brown, and the light patch on the bottom of the melon changes from cream to tan. Watermelons keep well in the refrigerator, even after being cut open.
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Days To Harvest |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
May – June
|
April – June
|
Full sun
|
4 inches apart1 inch deep
|
7 – 10 days
|
Approx. 70 days
|
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Days To Harvest |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
May – June
|
April – June
|
Full sun
|
4 inches apart1 inch deep
|
7 – 10 days
|
Approx. 70 days
|
Cold Winters
May – June
|
Mild Winters
April – June
|
Sun/Shade
Full sun
|
Sow Seeds
4 inches apart1 inch deep
|
Days To Germinate
7 – 10 days
|
Days To Harvest
Approx. 70 days
|