Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in late spring/summer after last frost in a warm, sunny location. Soil temperatures below 50°F can slow growth. Consider using black plastic and fabric row covers to speed soil warming. Sandy or light-textured soils that warm quickly in spring are best. Sow 3 seeds per hill and space hills 3' apart. Harvest when fruit area touching ground turns yellow or when the tendril closest to the stem turns brown or dried. A mature watermelon will have a dull “plunk” sound when thumped.

     We usually advise to set the first fruit on the third female flower that appears between the 16th - 21st leaf node to get a better quality fruit. After you harvest the first fruit, another fruit could be harvested between the 32nd- 42nd leaf node if the plant could keep good enough plant vigor. Additional fertilizer must be applied, too.

Days to germination	3-10 days
Days to maturity	About 80-85 days
Life cycle	Warm Season Annual
Plant time	Late spring to Early Summer
Spacing	72-96 inches
Sun	Full sun well drained Soil
Soil temperature	80-85 degrees
Optimum soil P.H	6.0-6.6
Height	6-10 feet
Harvest	80- 85 days after planting

Germination Temperature	Seed Depth	Row Distance
80-85°F	1/2"	72-96"