Growing melons (Cucumis melo, Citrullus lanatus) inside poses some difficulties, but it is not impossible. Because they are warm season plants that require 8 or more hours of direct sunlight a day, the lighting inside the home is often inadequate for growing melons.
Can I grow watermelon indoors year round?
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.
Do watermelons need full sun?
Watermelons require full sunlight in order to thrive. The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons. Excessively shady conditions will reduce the number and size of the fruits.
Can you start melons indoors?
Start melon seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden outside. Sow seed indoors at the end of April, about 2 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost date. Use peat pots or other biodegradable containers that you can place directly into garden soils. Use larger pots than you would for other vegetables.
How long does it take to grow watermelon indoors?
Grow watermelon indoors:
You should sow 2-3 seeds per pot. Keep the soil moist and warm, at a temperature of 21 – 22°C. The seedlings will emerge in 7-10 days. As soon as they emerge, provide plenty of light by placing the pots on a sunny windowsill.
How long does it take a watermelon 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 much room does a watermelon need?
Quick Guide to Growing Watermelon
Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70° F or above. Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
How big does a mini watermelon get?
Mini watermelons refer to fruit ranging from 4.4 to 8.8 lbs, although the industry considers 6-7 lbs fruits ideal.
How long does it take to grow a small watermelon?
70 days
How long does it take for a watermelon to grow to full size? Watermelons require 80-90 days from seed sowing to grow a full-size watermelon. Some smaller-sized watermelons (like Sugar Baby) can reach maturity in closer to 70 days.
How do you grow watermelon in an apartment?
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.
How long does it take for watermelon to bear fruit?
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.
How long does a watermelon plant live?
3-4 months
How many watermelons per plant? About 2 to 3 melons can be obtained per plant in its single lifespan of 3-4 months. Usually, gardeners purposely keep only one watermelon per plant to harvest big sized fruits.
Can you grow melons in pots?
While you can grow full-size melons in containers, you’ll get the best results with dwarf cultivars that produce smaller fruits and shorter vines.
When should I start my watermelon seeds indoors?
Watermelons can be grown either by direct seeding or by using transplants. For transplants, start the seeds indoors about 4 or 5 weeks before the last frost.
Are coffee grounds good for watermelon plants?
Q. Are coffee grounds good for watermelon plants? Coffee grounds contain the three major nutrients—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—and they also improve soil structure. Mix them in with compost or apply as a soil amendment, adding about ½ inch of grounds directly to the soil approximately 6 inches deep.
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.
How much water does a watermelon need a day?
Watermelons do not need water every single day. Only consider watering your watermelons daily when temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C). Watering 1–2 times per week works well as long as temperatures are below 90°F. Try to keep the soil moist to a depth of 12 inches (30 cm) at all times.
What month do you plant watermelon seeds?
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.
How can you tell if a watermelon is pollinated?
How Can You Tell if a Watermelon Has Been Pollinated?
- Watermelon vines produce both male and female flowers.
- Pollen from the male flowers must reach the flowers of the female plants for pollination to occur.
- The presence of swelling at the pistil’s base is a telltale sign that pollination has occurred.
How big do watermelon plants get?
Plants mature to 15-24 inches tall with 6 to 8-foot vines that are resistant to both cool weather and drought. Fruits resist cracking and have good sunburn resistance. This is an early maturing variety – you’ll be harvesting watermelons in just 75 days.
How many melons does one plant produce?
Each plant can produce anywhere from four to eight delicious melons.