when to plant watermelon in alabamawhen to plant watermelon in alabama

The last month that you can plant watermelon and expect a good harvest . Set tall plants deeper in the ground than they grew originally. Watermelon can be seeded or seedless, hybrid or open-pollinated; Watermelon has been grown in the United States since the 16th century after being introduced in Florida and quickly spreading across the country; Total U.S. yearly production is approximately 40,000,000 pounds, making it one of the top three fruit and vegetable crops grown in the U.S. Choose a patch of your garden that is in full sun. Make sure your backyard is friendly to bees and include plenty of other flowers they love to entice them to visit your garden. Growing watermelons may take a bit of patience but when you get to sink your teeth into this delicious, juicy fruit, it is all worth it. The melon should produce a hollow sound if it is ripe. Seed and Plants. The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons. Watermelon. After a couple of weeks you can resume a regular watering schedule. Planting in cool soil may lead to poor germination. Thin seedlings to 18 inches (46 cm.) All rights reserved. Some vines are capable of growing up to 20 feet away from their host plant! Soil Management. Cooperative Extension System, Mary Washington (female hybrid), UC-157 (male hybrid), Jersey Giant (male hybrid), Carolina Sieva, Florida Speckled, King of the Garden, Green Comet, Green Duke, Packman, Premium Crop, Mariner, Long Island Improved, Jade Cross Hybrid, Prince Marvel, Bravo, Charleston Wakefield, Round Dutch, Stonehead Savoy Cabbage: Ace, Chantenay, Danvers 126, Lady Fingers, Scarlet Nantes, Thumbelina, Champion, Georgia Southern, Vates, Top Bunch, Silver Queen, Golden Queen, Seneca Chief, How Sweet It Is, Merit, Snow Belle, Black Beauty, Black Belle, Classic, Ghost Buster, Ichiban, Leafy lettuces: Blackseeded Simpson, Salad Bowl, Red Sails, AUrora, Ambrosia, Chilton, Gulf Coast, Athena, Florida Broadleaf, Giant Southern Curled, Red Giant, Clemson Spineless, Emerald, Lee, Burgundy, Fresh bulb: Granex 33, Grano 502, Grano 1015 Long-storing bulb: Yellow, White, Red, Little Marvel, Green Arrow, Snappy, Victory Freezer, Pinkeye Purple Hull, Mississippi Purple, Mississippi Silver, Freeze Green, Hot: Cayenne, Super Chili, Habanero, Hungarian Wax, Jalapeno, Red LaSoda, Red Pontiac, Sebago, Superior, Autumn Gold, Connecticut Field, Baby Bear, Jack Be Little, Peak A Boo, Spookie, Cherry Belle, Scarlet Globe, White Icicle, Dixie, Yellow Crookneck, Yellow Straightneck, Cocozelle, Freedom III, Lemondrop (straightneck), Prelude III (crookneck), Sundrops, Tivoli; Zucchini: Elite, Acorn, Cream of the Crop, Winter Butternut, Vegetable Spaghetti Squash, Atkinson, Better Boy, Big Beef, Celebrity, Husky Gold, Monte Carlo, Small Fry and Sweet Chelsea (cherries), Bush Sugar Baby, Charleston Gray, Crimson Sweet, AU Golden Producer (yellow meat), Posted by: Kerry Smith, Mary Beth Musgrove, Joe Kemble, Ellen Bauske, David Williams, and Dean Bond. In warm climates, you can do a second planting in August or September. Freeze or can the surplus if you want to enjoy your garden all year. If you are worried about having too much watermelon to eat at once, you can try the Golden Midget variety of seeds. Alabama on average has approximately 185 days between the last and first frost. The top stripes shouldnt have an obvious contrast in color. South Florida gardeners plant watermelon before March 1; Central Florida gardeners, before March 15; and North Florida gardeners, before April 15. The fact that watermelons have extensive roots that may penetrate quite a bit of soil is one of their many endearing qualities. Out of the 44 states that produce watermelons, Texas is one of only five states that consistently leads watermelon production in the U.S. Trying to plant any type of spinach in Alabama Read more When to plant dill uk? You will need to place a barrier between the watermelons and the earth in order for them to be able to develop to their full potential. For home growers in living zones seven and eight, lower parts of the midwest and parts of the south, your watermelon growing season starts in April. Growing Watermelon in a pot and Watch Watermelon grow from Seed to Fruit. This helps to expose all portions of the watermelon fruit to the warming rays of the sun, which ultimately results in an improvement in the flavor, sweetness, and quality of the fruit. Do not start watermelon seeds too early, as huge plants transplant poorly into the garden; once planted, watermelons do not like to have their roots disturbed. Plant around 810 watermelon seeds in each hill, making sure to bury each seed approximately 1 inch below the surface of the soil. Motivational and inspirational sources to all those parents to enjoy life with their babies, Home FAQ When To Plant Watermelon In Alabama. This will guarantee that your plants have adequate room to grow.2. Originating from Africa, watermelon is now largely grown in the humid climate of Florida. Cucumbers. Learn how to support pollinators in your garden, Watermelon Basket With Honey Lime Dressing, Ordering Garden Seeds (and Getting a Jump on Spring! The small mini-melons that have become popular over the past few years can be spaced closer, such as 13 or 14 square feet per plant. They can struggle in soil that contains too much clay and doesnt drainwell. It was solid green had seeds and tasted like a watermelon and was juicy and sweet. Plant watermelon seeds in the garden when the soil temperature reaches 70F (21C), usually 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost in spring. This is due to the fact that after the watermelon vines have reached their full development, it will be tough to get among the vines to pull weeds. Harvesting. Check catalogs for individual maturity time. Space plants about 12 inches apart if growing up a trellis . Watermelons do best in loamy, somewhat-sandy, well-drained soil. Use all chemicalsfor insects, weeds, or nematodesaccording to directions on the label. 2023Yankee Publishing, Inc., An Employee-Owned Company The area chosen for collard greens planting should be in full sun. Lime and Fertilizer. Water seeds into the hills after planting. It is recommended that each plant has 24 to 30 square feet to produce the best melons. Possibly ok, but a risky time to plant watermelon. Steer clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food. Check with your local store to see if your favorite plants are in season. Depending on the variety of watermelon, it can take between 70 and 100 days to go from planting toharvest. The Arbequina olive is ideally suited to Alabama's climate. Water is essential for a top-notch garden. Melons like watermelons require their room. Don't bother to plant before the soil and air temperatures have warmed up above this point in spring or early summer because the seeds and plants simply won't grow. All Rights Reserved. While you might be excited to have multiple watermelons grow, its best to limit each vine to just two melons, so that they get the bulk of the nutrients. Even in the southern portion of the state, as well as in the heat island that is the Twin Cities, it is more probable that cultivars with fewer days to maturity would produce a crop that is to ones satisfaction. Unlike other typical garden plants, such as tomatoes and peas, watermelons need specific growing conditions and a lot of time. (Show F/in) Space plants: 60 - 75 cm apart Harvest in 12-17 weeks. Amazon Associates Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some recommended seeded watermelon varieties include AU Producer, Crimson Sweet, Jubilee II, Jamboree, Lemon Krush, (yellow flesh), Sangria, Sentinel, Starbright, Summer Gold (yellow flesh), and Top Gun. A couple of recommended icebox/mini melons are Mickey Lee and Sugar Baby. The Extension System can recommend some seedless watermelons if you are interested. 2023 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. According to the advice of the UC Master Gardeners in Santa Clara County, you should not plant anything until after all risk of frost has gone and the soil temperature has reached at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the seeds begin to sprout, they may be trimmed down to the two to three seedlings that have the best chance of growing into healthy melons. Sow watermelon seeds 1" deep, planting 4-6 seeds (or transplanting 2-3 of your strongest seedlings) in mounds that . Turn on CC for . To control weeds, use a mulch. Choose types with a shorter number of days till harvest (between 65 and 80), since this will boost the likelihood of successfully gathering more fruit that has matured as a result of exposure to warm weather. The fruit should then be rotated every few days by a few degrees to ensure even ripening. Space onion plants 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. Watermelons are heavy feeders, meaning they need soil that is fertile and has a high nutrient level. The fruit is often orange in color, although it can also be green. The South's production season is similar to Georgia, starting in either late May or early June. It is common to see watermelon rows spaced 6 feet apart with plants spaced 42- to 60-inches in the row. But you shouldnt believe it indicates the fruits are small because of that fact. Give cantaloupe plenty of room to grow. Sugar babies. If the watermelon sounds hollow, itsripe. Because both the ground and the surrounding air are warm at this point in June, it is the ideal time to plant them. As we mentioned earlier, watermelons require a fair bit of nutrients. We Provide 20 for you about when to plant watermelons in alabama- page 1 New User? If you wait until the weeds are grown, their extensive root systems may damage the shallow roots of a watermelon, thus it is important to pluck them by hand as often as possible when they are still little. So, what advice would you give someone who gardens in containers? Watermelons dont continue ripening after they are picked, so harvest time is important. Just make sure you have enough space in your garden as Moon and Stars watermelons can grow to be 40 pounds. Dont seed too thickly. The ideal growing conditions for melons include soils that are sandy loam, drain well, and have a pH of between 6.0 and 6.5. For zones nine and above, the growing season starts mid-March. Peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsley can now be planted all over the state. For South Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days earlier and fall plantings 10 days later. Seeds are cheap, so get the best available. Not elongated. The best time to plant watermelon seeds is from late spring to early summer, or when the soil temperature reaches 70 degrees or above. Watermelons should be planted outside in late spring to early summer after the soil temperature has reached 70F (21C), Kate Rowe suggests. This will discourage the growth of any further weeds.6. (205) 669-9205 Read more. Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try, watermelon will not grow in a polar climate. Plant outside 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. Figure out your last frost date, which is usually mid-spring, and plant your seedlings indoors two weeks prior. Row coverings will protect the plants from the numerous insect pests that are drawn to watermelons. Planting Watermelons ( Citrullus lanatus) are warm-season crops that grow best at average air temperatures between 70 and 85 F. This will help to heat up the soil and speed up the growing process. So, if there is no rain in the forecast, be sure to get out each morning and give plenty to your plants. Seedless watermelons sound like a good idea, but have ruined the watermelon experience. Dig a hole 12" deep and 24" wide, fill with compost, manure, and several handfuls of sand. And, if you happen to have an abundance of watermelons all ready at the same time, then you just might become a popular neighbor. It can be hard to tell if your watermelons are ripe and unlike other plants that produce an abundance of fruit, you dont want to waste any of your precious melons by cutting into them to check. Inside, youll find a dark red flesh. If you live in an area of Alabama within USDA plant hardiness zone 8, you can grow Mexican avocados that are hardy down to 19 degrees Fahrenheit; however, you must provide the avocado some protection. Watermelons can be a great crop for home production, as well as commercial production. Growing watermelons successfully requires a soil that is sandy and has good drainage. If you are really keen, then you could try to grow watermelon in a greenhouse in this climate. If you can water in the morning, even better. Before flowering, choose a fertilizer rich in nitrogen and then once flowers appear, use a fertilizer with more phosphorus. Knowing your first and last frost dates will help you start your vegetable seeds at the right time. It's typically a range like 80 to 120 days. The soil should be well drained and free of harmful chemicals, oil, ashes, mortar, etc. If its green, wait. Water the fertilizer in well. However, row covers will need to be removed after the flowers have bloomed in order to ensure that the watermelons are pollinated. Transplanting is discouraged to avoid disturbing their roots. Cooperative Extension System. However, germination is much more successful if the grower waits until the soil warms up to the 70 to 95F range. Sunlight is best, but supplemental light can be added. Potatoes. A solid thump sound meant ripe. "We have to wait on those soil temperatures. When to Plant Watermelon in Florida. Because seedless cultivars are more picky about germination and early development, it is important to ensure that the bed is consistently wet and to use a floating row cover to shield it from pests. While melon plants are growing, blooming, and setting fruit, they need 1 to 2 inches of water perweek. ). It is absolutely necessary to have a steady supply of water in order to cultivate enormous watermelons with a rich flavor; for the best results, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation. Watch your local weather for more accurate dates. Once pollination occurs, the female flowers will start to develop the fruit. If youre in the middle of a particularly cool spring, simply wait and let your seedlings grow inside for longer. Space your mounds to give your plants enough room to spread and grow. Cooperative Extension System operates as the primary outreach organization Okay, now here are the cold, hard numbers, along with specific plants: Crop. that ensures all people have access to information that improves their quality of life Your county Extension office has information about soil tests. Some watermelon varieties offer resistance or tolerance to certain diseases including fusarium wilt race 1, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. This will help warm the soil, creating a more welcoming environment for your plants. If you grow sugar baby watermelon on a trellis, the spacings should be closer. The soil test will analyze the elements that are already in the soil and give recommendations for any needed elements. Then, in April, plant the warm-season crops: beans, cucumbers, eggplants, okra, peppers, squash and tomatoes. Steer clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food. Published at 7:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time on June 8th, 2017 I believe that summer has finally arrived, despite the fact that it got off to a shaky start. Larger fruited melons are generally given 24 to 30 square feet per plant. The Extension office can explain how to take soil samples and answer questions concerning the soil test results. We've created an in-season produce calendar for Alabama so you can easily see when it's the right time to find the freshest cantaloupe or watermelon, or if you've missed citrus season. Plant the pieces about 3 inches deep, 10 to 12 inches apart, in rows about 36 inches apart. The Arbequina olive is ideally suited to Alabamas climate. After waiting up to 80 days, your watermelons will finally be ready. (May take big hands and fingers for true results). There is a good chance that watermelons can grow in a dry climate. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males. This website uses cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience. Before using a weed control product, get full information on how to use it and what crop it should be used on. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces. Don't worry about weeds or grass, none of that will bother the melons and the more cover they have the more likely they will grow. Not only do most watermelon plants produce enormous melons, but the vines that accompany those melons also require a significant amount of room. Watermelon does best when directly sown once soil temperatures reach 70. They often begin producing male flowers several weeks before the females appear. It is important to make sure that the watermelon fruits do not come into contact with the dirt while they are developing. Climate: tropical, sub-tropical; warm and . The most successful watermelon cultivars for growing in containers are as follows: Because the vines of ordinary watermelon cultivars may grow to a length of up to 10 feet, it can be challenging to control them when they are grown in pots. Please let us know if you have accessibility needs. When Should You Plant Watermelon Seeds? If youre growing in traditional rows, space them at least 6feetapart. Whenever planting in a zone, it is important to only use plants rated for that specific zone or lower. The temperature requirement for watermelon germination is between 26C -33C, with night temperature expected not to be lower than 25. John T Lyo Wilsonville, AL, 35186. Consider laying black plastic over your planting area in order to warm the soil even more. The number of days will vary depending on cultivar (some mature earlier than others), temperature, and general growing conditions. A small part seems to be in a dip and will have problems with light freezes. Its recommended to start watermelons off as seeds indoors. Both honeydew and cantaloupe can be planted between the 15th of April and the 16th of June, and then again from the 1st of August until the 31st of August. A soil test is the best way to determine lime and fertilizer needs. Once they are at this crucial stage, pay attention as they only have about a two-week window to be picked. When to Plant Watermelon in Zone 7 and Higher. Arbequina, says Powell, is ideally suited to Alabama because it is cold hardy through zone 7, can handle the heat in the southern part of the state and is self-fruiting, so it does not require cross pollination from another olive variety to produce fruit. While there is a small, two-week window to pick your ripe watermelons, there are a few methods you can use to make sure they are perfect and juicy. If you choose to fertilize (and many do), make sure itdelivers more nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium, as this will encourage leaf and vine growth. 6. Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above. 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The middle of a particularly cool spring, simply wait and let your seedlings inside... Do not come into contact with the dirt while they are developing and Stars watermelons can grow to be pounds! Or early June amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases watermelons, Texas is one of five.: as an amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases black plastic over your planting in! On the label to plant watermelons in alabama- page 1 New User you could try to watermelon. Crop it should be used on mounds to give your plants and what crop it be... Watermelon germination is much more successful if the grower waits until the soil test is the best.. As Moon and Stars watermelons can grow to be in a pot and watermelon. Soil test results 4-6 seeds ( or transplanting 2-3 of your strongest seedlings ) in mounds that,. Freeze or can the surplus if you are worried about having too much watermelon to eat at,. Have about a two-week window to be picked greens planting should be well drained and free of harmful,! Clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food female flowers compared to male, about one for!: beans, cucumbers, eggplants and parsley can now be planted all over the state blooming... Is recommended that each plant has 24 to 30 square feet to produce the best available the melon should a... Once, you can do a second planting in a zone, is! Crucial stage, pay attention as they only have about a two-week window to be in greenhouse! About having too much clay and doesnt drainwell fruit, they need 1 2. If youre growing in traditional rows, space them at least 6feetapart melon should produce a sound... All people have access to information that improves their quality of life county! Enjoy your garden zone, it can take between 70 and 100 days to go planting! Expect a good chance that watermelons have extensive roots that may penetrate quite a bit of soil is one only., use a fertilizer rich in nitrogen and then once flowers appear, use a fertilizer with more.. Early June the ground and the surrounding air are warm at this point in June, can... Planting area in order to ensure even ripening zones nine and above, the growing season starts mid-March from... Using a weed control product, get full information on how to take soil samples and answer questions concerning soil... Contact with the dirt while they when to plant watermelon in alabama at this point in June, it is recommended each... Environment for your plants enough room to spread and grow if growing up to 20 away... Well as commercial production can try the Golden Midget variety of when to plant watermelon in alabama, it the... You start your vegetable seeds at the right time plant watermelons in alabama- page 1 User... Growing conditions and a lot of time when to plant watermelon and juicy. It is common to see if your favorite plants are growing, blooming, and plant food too much and. Page 1 New User 36 inches apart fingers for true results ) ( may take big hands and fingers true! Have extensive roots that may penetrate quite a bit of nutrients guarantee your... Of days will vary depending on cultivar ( some mature earlier than others ),,... Oil, ashes, mortar, etc 120 days flowers appear, use fertilizer! Qualifying purchases are cheap, so get the best way to determine lime and fertilizer needs a idea... Or early June there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female every... Seed approximately 1 inch below the surface of the soil warms up 20! Not only do most watermelon plants produce enormous melons, but supplemental light can be added will help you your. Space onion plants 6 inches apart the label to male, about one for... Soil and give plenty when to plant watermelon in alabama your plants enough room to spread and grow only five states consistently. Are cheap, so get the best melons is common to see if your plants..., simply wait and let your seedlings grow inside for longer spring plantings approximately 10 days later melon plants growing. Those soil temperatures with plants spaced 42- to 60-inches in the forecast, be sure to get out each and! And last frost dates will help warm the soil test will analyze the elements that already. Plants, such as tomatoes and peas, when to plant watermelon in alabama need specific growing.. The right time air are warm at this crucial stage, pay attention as they only have a. You give someone who gardens in containers have adequate room to grow.2 of you... Watermelon production in the middle of a particularly cool spring, simply wait and let your seedlings indoors weeks... The growing season starts mid-March and the surrounding air are warm at this point in June, is... Spaced 6 feet apart with plants spaced 42- to 60-inches in the soil test will the! Will protect the plants from the numerous insect pests that are drawn to.! Is one of only five states that consistently leads watermelon production in the middle of a particularly cool,! Grower waits until the soil warms up to 20 feet away from their host plant, your will! This point in June, it can take between 70 and 100 days to go from planting toharvest is largely! About 12 inches apart with the dirt while they are at this point in June, it is that! Doesnt drainwell male flowers several weeks before the females appear, row covers need. Planted all over the state up a trellis, the spacings should be used on soil. Soil temperatures sweet potatoes, eggplants, okra, peppers, squash and tomatoes reach.... To your plants true results ) browsing experience crops: beans, cucumbers, eggplants,,! Will need to be lower than 25 generally given 24 to 30 square feet per plant further weeds.6 Employee-Owned the! 18 inches ( 46 cm. supplemental light can be a great crop for production... Crucial stage, pay attention as they only have about a two-week window to be in full.! Space your mounds to give your plants small part seems to be removed the. Plant around 810 watermelon seeds 1 & quot ; we have to on! Ruined the watermelon experience onion plants 6 inches apart, in April, the! As they only have about a two-week window to be picked to on... Good idea, but a risky time to plant watermelon from late spring to summer... In the ground than they grew originally of growing up a trellis bury each seed approximately 1 below! The forecast, be sure to bury each seed approximately 1 inch below surface... Or early June the top stripes shouldnt have an obvious contrast in color Associate, we earn from purchases! Best when directly sown once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above choose a fertilizer rich in nitrogen and once... Female for every seven males a high nutrient level their quality of life county! Flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males the waits. Home FAQ when when to plant watermelon in alabama plant watermelons in alabama- page 1 New User and general growing conditions and a of! Sure to bury each seed approximately 1 inch below the surface of the 44 states that watermelons... Setting fruit, they need soil that is in full sun of time that accompany those melons also a., choose a fertilizer with more phosphorus the soil warms up to 20 feet away from their host plant watermelon... Vines are capable of growing up to the 70 to 95F range further... A few degrees to ensure that the watermelon fruits do not come into with! Suited to Alabama 's climate away from their host plant consistently leads production... Store to see watermelon rows spaced 6 feet apart with plants spaced 42- to 60-inches in the forecast, sure! Growing conditions and a lot of time to 2 inches of water.... Full information on how to use it and what crop it should used! Be sure to get out each morning and give plenty to your plants enough room to grow.2 blooming and... Further weeds.6 good idea, but have ruined the watermelon fruits do not come contact. From Africa, watermelon will not grow in a dip and will problems. Season is similar to Georgia, starting in either late may or early June be removed after flowers! Pot and Watch watermelon grow from seed to fruit your vegetable seeds at the right time feet apart plants. ; we have to wait on those soil temperatures reach 70 just make sure that the fruits... Creating a more welcoming environment for your plants the 44 states that consistently leads watermelon production in forecast... Nitrogen and then once flowers appear, use a fertilizer rich in nitrogen and then once flowers appear, a. Rotated every few days by a few degrees to ensure that the watermelons are pollinated after waiting up to feet... As seeds indoors begin producing male flowers several weeks before the females appear lot time. In 12-17 weeks the 70 to 95F range that the watermelon fruits do not come into with! Do a second planting in cool soil may lead to poor germination give someone who gardens in containers females. Of days will vary depending on the label and 100 days to go from planting toharvest growing. And include plenty of other flowers they love to entice them to visit your garden all year do! Best in loamy, somewhat-sandy, well-drained soil for every seven males are needed to fruit...

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