Crimson Sweet Watermelon Planting Guide
Large oval watermelon with crisp, bright red flesh and high sugar content — a classic summer favorite
Best Time and Place to Plant Watermelon
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Crimson Sweet Watermelon in a spot with 8+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 95F, and enough room for 48 inches between plants and 84 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 20 to June 1 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 15 to June 5 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 10 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | May 1 to June 1 | Varies |
| Zone 5 | April 25 to May 25 | Varies |
| Zone 6 | April 15 to May 20 | Varies |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Varies |
| Zone 8 | March 15 to May 1 | Varies |
| Zone 9 | March 1 to April 15 | July 1 to August 1 |
| Zone 10 | February 1 to April 1 | July 15 to August 15 |
| Zone 11 | January 1 to March 1 | August 1 to October 1 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to February 15 | August 15 to October 15 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
- Spacing: 48 inches apart, 84 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 65F to 95F
- Sunlight: 8+ hours
- Watering: 1-2 inches per week; reduce water as fruit nears maturity for sweeter flavor
- Days to harvest: 85
Fertilization
- 10-10-10 Balanced synthetic: 3 lbs per 100 sq ft at planting
- Compost organic: 4 inches worked in before planting
- Fish Emulsion organic: Every 2 weeks until fruits set
Companion Plants
- Nasturtium
- Beans
- Corn
- Sunflower
Avoid Planting Near
- Potatoes
- Fennel
- Cucumbers
Harvest Signs
- Tendril nearest fruit has turned brown and dried
- Yellow ground spot where melon rests on soil
- Skin has turned from shiny to dull
- Deep hollow thud when thumped
FAQs
When should I plant Watermelon?
Watermelon planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Watermelon?
The best time of year to plant Watermelon is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 65F to 95F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Watermelon?
Plant Crimson Sweet Watermelon in a spot with 8+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 95F, and enough room for 48 inches between plants and 84 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Watermelon?
Plant Watermelon about 48 inches apart, with rows around 84 inches apart.
What grows well with Watermelon?
Watermelon is commonly paired with Nasturtium, Beans, Corn, Sunflower.