Watermelon
Citrullus lanatus
Also known as: melon
Heat-loving sprawling vine producing sweet juicy fruit. Needs long warm season, plenty of space, and consistent watering.
Growing Requirements
Planting Schedule
Start Indoors
3–4 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow (Spring)
2–9 weeks after last frost
Transplant Outdoors
2–9 weeks after last frost
Germination
4–10 days
Days to Harvest
70–100 days
Zone Suitability
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zones 3–11
Needs 70+ warm days. Check ripeness by thumping (hollow sound) and checking ground spot color (yellow).
Companion Plants
Good Companions (6)
Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
Trap crop for aphids that target melon vines
Confidence: Medium
Marigold
Tagetes spp.
Deters pests and suppresses nematodes in melon beds
Confidence: Medium
Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Attracts pollinators needed for melon fruit set
Confidence: Medium
Radish
Raphanus sativus
Quick-harvesting trap crop for flea beetles
Confidence: Medium
Corn
Zea mays
Provides windbreak for melon vines
Confidence: Medium
Dill
Anethum graveolens
Attracts beneficial predatory insects to melon patch
Confidence: Medium