Start growing
Requires huge amounts of sun and huge amounts of space. Keep well watered.
GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL
Watermelon
Citrullus lanatus
Your guide to planting, growing, and getting to know this plant.
THE PLANT NOTEBOOK
Watermelon care, from seed onward.
- Botanical name
- Citrullus lanatus
- Common names
- Watermelon
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Genus
- Citrullus
- Species
- C. lanatus
Growing with your kit
Pre-sprout in the Seeds In A Cup® kit to give your melon a 2-week head start on the hot season.
Propagation
By seed.
Seasonal growth & harvest
80-100 days; harvest when the 'ground spot' turns creamy yellow.
Growing conditions
Sandy soil, hot sunny plains.
Weather & tolerances
Highly heat tolerant.
Pests & plant health
Fusarium wilt and aphids.
Plant safety
Safe for consumption; seeds are edible roasted.
Botanical features
Large trailing vine; giant fleshy fruits with hard rind.
Varieties
‘Sugar Baby’, ‘Crimson Sweet’, ‘Moon and Stars’.
Garden & everyday uses
Refreshing fresh fruit. rinds can be pickled
Native range & distribution
Native to West Africa.
Conservation
Secure.
Name origins
Named for high water content (92%).
History
First harvested in Egypt 5,000 years ago; often placed in tombs as moisture for the afterlife.
Grow watermelon in a cup.
Seed Germination Kit
Crimson Sweet Watermelon Seed Starter Grow Kit
USD 10.99
Currently unavailable
Citrullus lanatus
7-14 daysView kit →