We can grow a variety of melons here in south west Ontario, including watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe. Melons do require a long, hot summer, so a little luck is needed with the weather, but there are also some tricks you can try to grow a successful crop. Fancy growing your own this summer?
https://youtube.com/watch?v=rK6ti9xR78U
Can watermelons grow in Ontario?
According to the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA), an estimated 809 hectares of watermelon plants are grown each year in southwestern Ontario. Many growers will then ship their produce across the province and the country, with some sending them into the United States.
When can you plant watermelon in Ontario?
Seed watermelons indoor 12 weeks before the last spring frost in your area. Put 1-2 seeds in every pot. Put tray with pots in warm, sunny place close to window. Germination usually takes 10-14 days.
How long does it take to grow watermelon in Ontario?
between 70 and 100 days
About Watermelons
Depending on the variety of watermelon, it can take between 70 and 100 days to go from planting to harvest.
Where does watermelon grow in Ontario?
Ontario Grown Produce
Sunvine Watermelons are grown in the favourable sandy soil in Norfolk County. Our family farm grows between 850 – 1,200 acres of watermelon which are available between mid July to mid September.
Can you grow watermelon in a container?
You need to choose a pot that will be large enough for your container watermelon to thrive. Watermelons grow rapidly and require plenty of water, so it is recommended that you go with a 5-gallon (19 kg) or larger size container. Make sure that the container you will be growing watermelons in has enough drainage holes.
Can you grow watermelon indoors?
Start seeds indoors.
Watermelon seeds can be started indoors, about six weeks prior to growing season. Plant seeds in peat pots and place near a sunny windowsill. Keep soil moist, but refrain from overwatering at this stage—peat pots are very absorbent and will keep the soil humid for the newly germinating seeds.
Do watermelons need full sun?
Regardless of what variety you grow in your pots, be sure to site the containers in a location where they receive a minimum of 8 hours of full sun per day. Watermelons will not form flowers or fruits if they don’t get enough sun. ‘Sugar Pot’ and ‘Bush Sugar Baby’ are the best two choices for container growing.
How long do watermelons take to grow?
It takes the shortest amount of time to mature, about 70 to 75 days. A main-season watermelon is larger and takes longer to ripen, usually 80 to 90 days.
How many watermelons do you get per plant?
2-4 fruits
How Many Watermelons per Plant? Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. The vines produce both male and female flowers. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males.
How do watermelons grow for beginners?
Watermelons require a large vegetative-free space located in full sun and with well-drained soil that’s reached a minimum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit for proper germination and growth, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Because they are heavy feeders, amend the site with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
How difficult is it to grow watermelon?
The great news: watermelon is relatively easy to grow! It takes a long season and thrives in hot weather, but give it some space to sprawl, and it’s mostly maintenance-free!
What month do you plant watermelon?
Watermelons need about 100 days of warm weather to produce an edible melon. If the warm, late fall and winter weather of recent years continues, you may get a watermelon for Christmas. The best times to sow seeds for watermelons are early March and early August.
Where does Canada get watermelon from?
See the trends of top import origins for Fresh Watermelon of Canada.
Trends of Top Import Origins.
| Country | China | |
|---|---|---|
| Import Value | 2018 | $548.00 |
| 2019 | $7.37K | |
| 2020 | $14.03K | |
| 2021 | $181.56K |
When can you start melons indoors in Ontario?
Melon seeds need to be started in pots in the house approximately two weeks before your last frost date. To start melon seeds indoors, I like to use containers that are a few inches wide.
Can I grow cantaloupe in Canada?
Yes you can grow muskmelons, cantaloupes and even watermelons on the prairies! They are a warm season season plant that need full sun and warm soil for germination and optimal growth. Many melons can grow in under 70 days to maturity.
Can you use a tomato cage for watermelon?
Use tomato cages to hold up stems as they grown for support and build wooden frame around box to hang pouches for the watermelon as they get large. Container watermelon. Use tomato cages to hold up stems as they grown for support and build wooden frame around box to hang pouches for the watermelon as they get large.
Do watermelons need a trellis?
Watermelons don’t climb by habit, but once shown the way they can rise with the best. Watermelons rest easy in hammocks. Swelling fruits will definitely need support on the trellis, and an old T-shirt makes a perfect sling.
Can I grow watermelon in a raised bed?
Raised beds are perfect for growing melons. Melons thrive in the warm soil raised beds provide. You’ll need at least a 4′ x 6′ area to grow melons on the ground. To save space in raised beds, grow them on a sturdy trellis.
Would six seeds in a watermelon be enough?
If you want to plant watermelon in hills rather than rows, put 6-8 seeds in one hill and leave 2-3 plants when you thin out the seedlings.
Can you grow watermelon indoors in winter?
Winter watermelon culture is only possible in warm, frost-free climates or heated greenhouses in cooler climates. Another winter watermelon growing possibility is starting watermelon seeds indoors during the late winter and transplanting the seedlings to the garden in spring when the threat of a late frost is over.