How to Grow Watermelon

Updated June 2026

A warm-season fruiting for the home garden across the warmer US.

What it looks like as it grows

Watermelon is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Watermelon in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the watermelon page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Crimson Sweet, Sweet, disease-tolerant standard (Johnny's Selected Seeds)
• Sugar Baby, Compact icebox melon (Baker Creek)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 4.9 ft between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 0.75 in deep.
• Water: roughly 3.2 gal per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Cucumber beetle. In humid regions, Powdery mildew and Anthracnose can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Watermelon is usually ready to harvest in about 3 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant watermelon where you garden.

See also: Watermelon in the plant library →

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