Georgia Rattlesnake Watermelon Seed

Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)

• Timing: Sow watermelon seeds outdoors after the last frost date, once the soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C), typically in late spring or early summer.
• Location: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6â€"8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Watermelons thrive in warm temperatures and well-draining, fertile soil.
• Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
• Planting Seeds:
  • Sow seeds 1 inch deep in small mounds or hills, spacing 2â€"3 seeds per hill.
  • Space hills 4â€"6 feet apart to allow for vine spread. Thin to the strongest seedling per hill after germination.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically takes 7â€"10 days. Once established, water deeply but less frequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)

• Timing: Start watermelon seeds indoors 3â€"4 weeks before the last expected frost date for an earlier harvest.
• Containers: Use biodegradable pots or deep containers to reduce root disturbance during transplanting.
• Planting:
  • Sow seeds 1 inch deep, placing 1 seed per pot.
  • Cover lightly with soil mix and water gently.
• Germination:
  • Maintain a temperature of 75â€"85°F (24â€"29°C) for optimal germination.
  • Expect seedlings to emerge within 5â€"7 days.
• Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 70°F (21°C) and all risk of frost has passed. Space seedlings 4â€"6 feet apart in hills.

General Care Tips for Watermelons

• Sunlight: Provide full sun with at least 6â€"8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Watermelons need warm temperatures and thrive in sunny conditions.
• Watering: Water deeply and consistently, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as fruits near maturity to enhance sweetness. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilizing: Watermelons are heavy feeders. Enrich soil with compost at planting and side-dress with a balanced fertilizer when vines begin spreading and again when fruits start to develop.
• Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Mulch helps control weed growth and maintain soil moisture.
• Supporting Vines: Watermelon vines typically spread on the ground. If space is limited, a trellis can be used, but ensure fruits are supported with slings to prevent damage.
• Harvesting: Watermelons are ready to harvest when the tendril closest to the fruit turns brown, the underside of the fruit develops a creamy yellow spot, and the fruit sounds hollow when tapped. Harvest by cutting the fruit from the vine with a sharp knife or pruners.