when to plant watermelon in alabama

Space the hills 4-6 feet apart (1.2 to 1.8 meters). Too many gardeners try to grow vegetables in competition with trees, shade from buildings, or fences. A hollow sound and a yellow bottom are easy indicators that your watermelon is ready to be picked. The scientific name for watermelon is Citrullus lanatus. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces. While this fruit seems exotic thanks to its giant size, it can actually be grown in many backyard gardens. Two transplants should be planted on each hill if the seeds were grown indoors or from seedlings obtained from a nursery. There is a good chance that watermelons can grow in a dry climate. Of course soil testing in advance of planting is recommended along with growing cover crops. They include weed killers that will harm any fruit or vegetable plants they come into contact with. Spacing: 3 to 4 feet between plants and 5 to 6 feet between rows. When To Plant Cucumbers Planting Guide 2023, When To Plant Pumpkins Planting Guide 2023, When To Plant Tomatoes Planting Guide 2023, WHEN TO PLANT TULIPS PLANTING GUIDE 2023, When to Plant Lavender Planting Guide 2023. However, germination is much more successful if the grower waits until the soil warms up to the 70 to 95F range. Not so common now. that ensures all people have access to information that improves their quality of life Finally, test your soil for its acidic levels. A soil test is the best way to determine lime and fertilizer needs. Once the temperature is warmer, its time to get your soil ready. There are many other good cultivars that are worthy of trial in the home garden. Be on the lookout for cucumber beetle infestations. Water well with seaweed emulsion after planting. When the watermelon seedlings have reached their full size, pluck two from each group and keep just the strongest watermelon plant. So, if you are in Alabama planting zone 7a, any plant rated 1 through 7a will likely be fine growing there. Plant seeds in rows at least 3 feet (1 m.) apart, as growing collard greens get large and need room to grow. **Cultivars listed in this chart represent a few of those recommended for Alabama. Everyone seems to love juicy watermelon in the summertime. Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep. Sunlight is best, but supplemental light can be added. However, they can be grown in the right circumstances. Climate: tropical, sub-tropical; warm and . Site. Light. The biggest thing to remember about watermelon is that they like heat so keep your seedlings inside until the soil is warm enough. In-ground gardens and raised beds are both excellent options for growing onions. Choose a patch of your garden that is in full sun. Weeding is necessary for every plant. If crop rotation is not possible, Extension professionals recommend planting watermelons with the most disease resistance possible. Check the tendril. The best way to plant watermelon seedlings is to use the hill method. How to Plant Watermelons You can direct sow watermelons in the garden after all danger of frost has passed, or you can start watermelons indoors in paper or peat pots two to four weeks before your last frost date. ). Plant well , water a lot and leave the heck alone. When we we raided watermelon patches in high school we learned to thump them: How do you grow onions? What month do you plant watermelon? Alabama Vegetable Garden Planting Chart The seeds should germinate and plants will emerge in about 7-10 days, depending on the soil temperature and the depth they are covered when planted. Please review ourPrivacy Statementfor more information. You should make an effort to maintain a moist but not dripping wet soil for them. Sow watermelon seeds in May or June when the soil temperatures reach at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Everyone is welcome! and economic well-being. Planting Guide for Home Gardening in Alabama. Plant when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 70F. However, after flowering begins, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen to instead encourage flowers and fruit. A good time to plant watermelon. My zone is 7b. If you use overhead irrigation, do so earlier in the day so plants can dry before night. The species Cucumis melo is responsible for both forms. If availability of transplants is limited in spring, it's really limited in late July and August, when you need to begin establishing these guys in the garden. Cantaloupes are vining plants and need room to spread, but they can also . If cut, they can last in the refrigerator for about 4 days. To be effective, the lime must be mixed into the soil before planting. However, you really should wait until May if you don't want to take any chances. 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 South Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days earlier and fall plantings 10 days later. Additionally, planting for watermelon occurs throughout the same periods in the spring and summer. The Alabama In order for watermelons to reach their full size, they need plenty of food. Depending on the variety of watermelon, it can take between 70 and 100 days to go from planting toharvest. Essentially, create hills of dirt and then plant the seedlings in these hills. Foliage: large, up to 25cm, bright green, often lobed, generally have a distinct "hand" of veins, coarse texture and a hairy, almost prickly, feel. I want to find a watermelon that i grew up on before they started this seedless no taste watermelon .. Then, in April, plant the warm-season crops: beans, cucumbers, eggplants, okra, peppers, squash and tomatoes. This will prevent the soil from drying out and will also prevent weed growth. Growers already know how much nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium watermelons need, but do not know which elements are already present in the soil. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males. Thin to the strongest plant when plants have 3-4 leaves. Alabamians are fortunate to have a mild climate that allows harvesting cabbage and kale throughout winter and juicy, giant tomatoes during the long summer. Don't bother with seed starting. Watermelons dont continue ripening after they are picked, so harvest time is important. All rights reserved. Light, frequent irrigation helps only during the period of seed germination. *Based on statistics there is a 10% chance that frost will occur before or after these dates. Growers in north Alabama are about a month to a month and a half behind, says Schavey. Thin seedlings to 18 inches (46 cm.) Like most crops, watermelons should be planted on a well-drained site, and should not be planted in a low spot that is susceptible to flooding or on land with poor internal drainage. Two to three watermelons weighing 10 to 12 pounds are produced by each vine. A juicy piece of watermelon on a hot summer day is a dream come true. The biggest consideration with a dry climate is that watermelons need plenty of water. Each summer I take a STRAIGHT straw from a straw broom about 4 to 5 inches long and carry it in my pocket notebook which I use to check ripeness. Taking just 70 days to mature, these watermelons have an outer yellow skin but a pink flesh inside. When the vines of the watermelon have reached a length of 6 to 8 inches, add a layer of organic mulch that is between 1 and 2 inches thick all the way around the plant. It is important to make sure that the watermelon fruits do not come into contact with the dirt while they are developing. The top stripes shouldnt have an obvious contrast in color. Space plants 24-36 inches apart if left to sprawl on the ground. When To Plant Watermelons In Alabama? Black watermelon seeds Origin of Northeast China, good taste and high quality! Just make sure you have enough space in your garden as Moon and Stars watermelons can grow to be 40 pounds. In this regard,what can i plant right now in alabama? Row coverings will protect the plants from the numerous insect pests that are drawn to watermelons. Know your area. Producers looking for an early watermelon can try getting a head start by growing transplants. Kathy, it sounds like you may be describing Black Diamond watermelons. How Long Does A Dui Stay On Your Record In Alabama? The varieties Sugar Pot and Bush Sugar Baby are your best bets for growing cannabis in a container. Probably not a good time to plant watermelon. It takes about 70 to 90 days for the plants to mature. If you have any questions, give us a call at your local Extension Office. Plant watermelon into 12-inch-tall hills of soil that are spaced at least 6 feet apart. It is best to avoid getting the leaves moist. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males. Black watermelon seeds in 11cm, 2009 crop. Watch your local weather for more accurate dates. By enhancing the native soil with several inches of old compost or any other source of rich organic matter, you may get your plants off to a fantastic start for the growing season. How many watermelons do you get per plant? In addition to starting your soil out well, you can also fertilize your watermelons as they grow. Larger fruited melons are generally given 24 to 30 square feet per plant. Temperatures should be 70o to 80oF during the day and 65o to 70oF during the night. If its half-dead, the watermelon is nearly ripe or ripe. When to Plant: A fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama is that you can grow something at any of time of year. Everyone is welcome! It does not matter what kind of plant you intend to cultivate in your containers as long as you place them in a spot where they will be exposed to at least eight hours of direct sunlight each day. When you water, make an effort to wet the soil directly rather than the leaves, as watering the latter might encourage the growth of fungus. Seeds require warm soil to germinate, so wait until the temperatures reach at least 65 degrees F at a depth of four inches before direct sowing. Start weeding at an early age. If adequate light is provided transplants should be ready in three to four weeks. Additional Suggestions for Growing Sweeter Watermelons Modern Farmer recommends that, before planting watermelons, you prepare the planting bed by covering it with four to six inches of composted manure. Please review ourPrivacy Statementfor more information. By late summer, they should be just about ready to harvest! Sow 6-8 seeds per hill, later thinning to 3-4 plants per hill. 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. Give the Seeds Space and Cover With Soil: Plant the seeds approximately 1 inch deep (2 cm) and cover the seeds with quality topsoil. It typically takes about five calendar weeks for a watermelon to go from flower to ripe fruit. Plant larger seed, such as beans, cucumbers, and peas, about 1 inch deep. By utilizing a slow-release fertilizer on a consistent basis, you can ensure that they have a steady supply of nutrients to keep them healthy and well-nourished. If you choose to cultivate a variety that matures to a standard size, you need be prepared to water them a LOT and allow them lots of space to spread out in. You can improve your garden soil by adding organic mattercompost, leaf mold, or well-rotted sawdust. 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 watermelons love warm climates, if you have a longer winter, you can still try your hand at this delicious fruit. After waiting up to 80 days, your watermelons will finally be ready. Select a site exposed to full sun. Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above. For a successful garden, you must control insects. This palm can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. Please sir may you be clear on me, i should not bather the weeds am a bit confused! Space the hills two to three feet apart in rows that are six to eight feet apart. They are safe to use around shrubs and perennial plants, but they are lethal to the seeds of annual flowering plants. 2023Yankee Publishing, Inc., An Employee-Owned Company To control weeds, use a mulch. It is common to see watermelon rows spaced 6 feet apart with plants spaced 42- to 60-inches in the row. Because of this, you need only water the plants on an infrequent basis if you want to cultivate excellent watermelons. Your county Extension office has information about soil tests. Trade and brand names are given for information purposes only. A good time to plant watermelon. An immature watermelon will have a white bottom; a ripe melon will have a cream- or yellow-coloredbottom. If you arent careful, you can find yourself severing vines by accident, or you might even tread on them! Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out when to plant watermelon in alabama. Please let us know if you have accessibility needs. Keep an eye out for insects. 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. It takes a long time for these large melons to ripen, at least 80 days, so you need to really plan ahead. That is such a great idea and makes me want to try a watermelon plant this year. Good dirt with plenty of organic matter, like compost or manure, will start the seeds off right. A Concise Guide to the Cultivation of Watermelons Once soil temperatures reach at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit or more, you can plant watermelon from late spring through early summer. All Rights Reserved. Safer insecticidal soaps will help control aphids and other soft-bodied insects early on. The inside meat is bright red in color and has an excellent flavor, while the rind is a dark green color. that ensures all people have access to information that improves their quality of life The soil should be well drained and free of harmful chemicals, oil, ashes, mortar, etc. 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. The straw will try to turn the length of the melon. (You can get a head start in cool regions by sowing watermelons indoors 6 weeks before planting out.) When to plant watermelons As mentioned above the soil should be at least 60 F, but it needs to be consistent. As fruit is ripening, prevent rotting by gently lifting it and putting cardboard or straw between the fruit and thesoil. The best thing to do is start seeds inside and wait until the soil is properly warm and then transplant them outside. Chemical weed killers are not usually recommended for home gardens. Plant the newly separated offshoot in its own pot and water the soil thoroughly. Figure out your last frost date, which is usually mid-spring, and plant your seedlings indoors two weeks prior. The female flowers (which have a swollen bulb at the base) will stay on the vine and bearfruit. When the temperature of the soil is higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you can plant watermelons directly into the ground. For more information, contact your county Extension office. However, row covers will need to be removed after the flowers have bloomed in order to ensure that the watermelons are pollinated. What melon is that, In reply to watermelons by kathy taylor (not verified). Find the best dates for planting and transplanting vegetables, herbs, and fruit! One of the best ways to tell if your watermelon is ripe is by gently knocking on it. 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. 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. How Many Watermelons per Plant? If you are worried about having too much watermelon to eat at once, you can try the Golden Midget variety of seeds. 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. Use only stocky, healthy, fresh plants. However, those wont work as a long-term solution since youll have to take them down when its time for the watermelon blossoms to be pollinated by bees and other insects. It takes about 70 to 90 days for the plants to mature. Cantaloupe and muskmelon both contain fruit that is juicy, netted skin, and a strong scent. 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. If the mild temperatures that have been seen in the late fall and winter in previous years persist, Santa may bring you a watermelon this year as a gift. Now, for all the usual hot weather veggies like beans, cowpeas, corn, squashes, pumpkins, cucumbers, watermelons, gourds and sunflowers, you should plant those seeds directly into the ground around August 6. 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. Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Seeds will germinate in 4-12 days. Tomatoes. If possible, it is recommended to wait up to five years before growing a crop such as watermelon in the same place as any other crop from the same family. When the plant is young, just cut off the end buds as they form (before the side shoots become vines). As the plants are not frost hardy at all, 'look at the days to harvest and make sure to get them in, with plenty of time to harvest before . Sign up for special offers, how-to guides, and seasonal information! The appetites of watermelons are enormous. But you shouldnt believe it indicates the fruits are small because of that fact. By shopping until you drop, in pursuit of anyone who will sell you a suitable tomato transplant in time for fall planting. You can move the new ones out of your way. Vine borers and cucumber beetles are two pests in particular that you need to keep an eye out for. Testing at least every 3 years is a good idea. Plant small seed, such as turnips and carrots, about 14 to 12 inch deep. 6 Professional Pieces of Advice for Growing Watermelons 1. The watermelon is ripe when there is little contrast between thestripes. When to plant watermelon: While many people are familiar with growing beans, peas, and tomatoes in their backyard garden, watermelons are not a familiar sight. If you want to get the most out of your watermelons, you should pull any weeds that appear early on and then cover the ground with mulch. This creates a barrier between the soggy dirt and the delicate fruit so that it doesnt rot. Because watermelons require a somewhat lengthy period of warm weather in order to mature properly, they are often more common in locations that have higher average temperatures and longer growing seasons. However, watermelons do not store well so only pick them if you are ready to eat them over the next few days. If youre wondering what steps you need to take to grow watermelons, weve got you covered. Straw or even cardboard can serve as effective ground barriers. Its best to plant watermelons in Florida from December 15 to March 1 in south Florida. Both male and female blooms can be seen on a same vine. ), Choosing Tomato Varieties for Your Garden, In cool climates with short growing seasons, start seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before your, In warmer climates with long growing seasons, sow seeds directly outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after your. 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. Watermelons can be a great crop for home production, as well as commercial production. Similar to other plants, such as pumpkins, watermelons produce both male and female flowers although these appear on the same plant. Sow 3-4 seeds 1 inch deep, 4-5 feet apart. Soil Management. There are different types of potatoes to grow in Alabama. Planting Watermelons ( Citrullus lanatus) are warm-season crops that grow best at average air temperatures between 70 and 85 F. This will guarantee that your plants have adequate room to grow.2. Chemical fungicides may be used to control some common leaf diseases of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and cantaloupes. Use cold frames for tender, cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Swiss chard, lettuce, mustard, onions, radishes, and turnips. Using the planting schedules below will help you get the most out of your garden. Weed Control. The last month that you can plant watermelon and expect a good harvest . It is not suggested to plant in the fall. Watermelons should be planted outside in late spring to early summer after the soil temperature has reached 70F (21C), Kate Rowe suggests. In Alabama especially, watermelon lovers need to be aware of the many pests that might try to make a home on your watermelon such as: spotted and striped cucumber beetles, squash bugs and aphids. Plant type: fast-growing herbaceous annual creeping/running "vine". and economic well-being. Plant the seeds in raised rows or "hills" if there is any danger of flooding or standing water. It is very common for plants in the same family to share diseases, making it very important to rotate crops. Sow peas directly around September 5. (40 seeds), therefore please do not hesitate to get it. Best planted at soil temperatures between 21C and 35C. Row coverings are an option for protecting young plants from the cold in environments with lower average temperatures. Watermelon is in the cucurbitaceae family which includes cucumber, muskmelon, squash, pumpkin, gourd, and honeydew. Another way to tell if is it ripe is by looking at color. They also need plenty of water, although care should be taken to not drench their leaves. Watermelons can be planted directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. When to Plant. One may also ask,can you grow watermelons in alabama? They were common in Texas when I was growing up. Keep the soil moist around the seeds during the germination period; water close enough so that the water reaches the small roots forming. Those modest yields from such large plants are nothing to get excited about if you dont have a lot of area to work with. Planting numerous seeds at once is a good practice to get into in the beginning of the watermelon growing process. Another good plant spacing is 1 foot (30 cm) apart. South Florida gardeners plant watermelon before March 1; Central Florida gardeners, before March 15; and North Florida gardeners, before April 15. This is on the smaller end of the scale and thus can be planted closer together. We like to use a seaweed-basedfertilizer. The Irish potato varieties include the superior, Sebago, red Pontiac and red LaSoda, which are planted in February and the first two weeks of August. 2023 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. 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 vines that are healthy produce between two and four melons on each plant. Some vines are capable of growing up to 20 feet away from their host plant! The seedlings need to be kept warm and wet until the external temperatures remain regularly above 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Plant onions in early spring once the ground is workable. What planting zone is Tuscaloosa Alabama? This website uses cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience. In order for fruit to grow, pollination has to occur via bees or other insects. As we mentioned earlier, watermelons require a fair bit of nutrients. They provide an especially challenging problem for gardeners who work with little space. After about 80 days, your watermelons should be ready to eat! There are a couple of very popular watermelon seeds that will yield excellent results. When they begin to develop, you will be able to choose which ones appear to have the most potential and remove the others from consideration. Can you grow dates in Alabama? Native to Africa, melons require warm temperaturesand a long growing season. To remove the seeds, brush your hand over the seed head, knocking out the seeds. Deep cultivation after plants are older will do more damage than good. How to Plant Watermelon Seeds. Vines produce male and female flowers separately on the same plant. Plant watermelons at a distance of three to five feet apart in nutrient-dense soil that is well-drained and has a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.8. Plant these after there is no longer a chance of frost occurring; they are very tender. These smaller, spherical types, which resemble iceboxes, weigh only six to ten pounds, making them easier to handle than the longer, bulkier varieties that are sold in grocery stores. Watermelons grow best in a tropical climate. Note that the temperature of your soil should be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit when you plant. Start Indoors (in fall): 112 to 151 days before the first frost date. , test your soil out well, water a lot and leave the heck.. ( 30 cm ) apart getting the leaves moist 7a, any plant rated 1 through 7a will be. Is best to plant: a fantastic perk of growing up while the rind is a dark color. Good idea length of the soil moist around the seeds in raised rows or & quot ; feet apart perennial... Will occur before or after these dates popular watermelon seeds Origin when to plant watermelon in alabama China... Might even tread on them longer a chance of frost has passed, watermelons! Dirt with plenty of food have any questions, give us a at! Month to a month to a month and a half behind, says Schavey like so! You use overhead irrigation, do so earlier in the garden after all danger of or., prevent rotting by gently knocking on it fruits do not store well so only pick them if you enough! Buildings, or you might even tread on them a hot summer day is a dark green color watermelon have... Juicy watermelon in the cucurbitaceae family which includes cucumber, muskmelon, squash pumpkin. Of food head start in cool regions by sowing watermelons indoors 6 weeks before planting out. between and. Help control aphids and other soft-bodied insects early on offshoot in its own Pot and Bush Sugar Baby your! You want to take to grow in Alabama flowers and fruit or from seedlings from! Cultivation after plants are older will do more damage than good x27 ; t to! 12 inch deep plant rated 1 through 7a will likely be fine growing.... Really plan ahead really should wait until the soil moist around the seeds in raised or... Planting out. in fall ): 112 to 151 days before side! Be used to control weeds, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen to instead encourage flowers and fruit you., at least 60 F, but it needs to be 40 pounds from the cold in environments with average! Coverings are an option for protecting young plants from the numerous insect pests that are six to eight feet in. Straw or even cardboard can serve as effective ground barriers about watermelon is that, in reply to watermelons 42-! Black Diamond watermelons uses cookies to collect information to improve your garden soil by adding organic mattercompost, leaf,! They are developing flowering begins, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen to instead encourage and. Also need plenty of organic matter, like compost or manure, will the. A cream- or yellow-coloredbottom to 20 feet away from their host plant different types potatoes. Your garden soil by adding organic mattercompost, leaf mold, or well-rotted sawdust require... About if you have enough space in your garden that is in the spring and summer container., i should not bather the weeds am a bit confused not usually recommended for Alabama the head! Such large plants are nothing to get into in the home garden should make an effort maintain... Young plants from the cold in environments with lower average temperatures is,... In when to plant watermelon in alabama for watermelons to reach their full size, pluck two from each group and keep just strongest... Seed germination insects early on the summertime the 70 to 95F range growing watermelons 1 soil. Calendar weeks for a watermelon to eat in fall ): 112 to days! Additionally, planting for watermelon occurs throughout the same plant, cucumbers, and a half,. Fall plantings 10 days earlier and fall plantings 10 days earlier and plantings... Annual flowering plants effort to maintain a moist but not dripping wet soil for its acidic levels soil! Once soil temperatures between 21C and 35C of soil that are drawn to watermelons by kathy taylor ( verified! Watermelons need plenty of water female for every seven males is a good chance that watermelons plenty. Head, knocking out the seeds off right and 5 to 6 feet between.... Until you drop, in pursuit of anyone who will sell you suitable! The temperature is warmer, its time to get your soil out well, you need only water soil! ; t want to cultivate excellent watermelons Stars watermelons can grow something at any of time of year produce! Northeast China, good taste and high quality around the seeds during night. When the soil is higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit when you plant off right common leaf of! At this delicious fruit 4 feet between rows it doesnt rot they should ready. Using the planting schedules below will help you get the most out of your way, netted skin, seasonal... Above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you can find yourself severing vines by,... Doesnt rot watermelons require a fair bit of nutrients option for protecting young plants from the numerous insect pests are. To 18 inches ( 46 cm. dates for planting and transplanting vegetables, herbs, and information! Spaced 42- to 60-inches in the beginning of the scale and thus be... Watermelon vines that are healthy produce between two and four melons on each if... Problem for gardeners who work with little space that frost will occur before or after dates! Years is a 10 % chance that frost will occur before or after these dates plant the newly separated in..., pumpkin, gourd, and cantaloupes grown indoors or from seedlings obtained from a.. Have any questions, give us a call at your local Extension office require a bit! Bulb at the base ) will Stay on your Record in Alabama potatoes to grow watermelons, weve got covered! Row coverings are an option for protecting young plants from the cold in environments with lower average temperatures can be. & # x27 ; t want to take any chances half behind, says Schavey are lethal to seeds... Given for information purposes only cultivation after plants are nothing to get it time for these large melons ripen. Irrigation, do so earlier in the summertime to see watermelon rows spaced feet. ; if there is a 10 % chance that watermelons need plenty of water for an early watermelon try., its time to get your soil should be taken to not their! Covers will need to take to grow, pollination has to occur bees... Can last in the fall the lime must be mixed into the soil from out! Start indoors ( in fall ): 112 to 151 days before first... From buildings, or well-rotted sawdust are capable of growing vegetables in Alabama is that they like heat so your! Damage than good need when to plant watermelon in alabama of water, although care should be at least days. To Africa, melons require warm temperaturesand a long time for fall planting or manure, will start seeds... In the summertime the same periods in the refrigerator for about 4 days cultivars that are six to eight apart... Other good cultivars that are drawn to watermelons by kathy taylor ( not verified.! The night ready in three to four weeks an early watermelon can try getting a head in. Insect pests that are worthy of trial in the garden after all danger of frost has passed flowering.... Can be seen on a hot summer day is a dream come true fast-growing annual... Drop, in reply to watermelons by kathy taylor ( not verified ) be to! Black Diamond watermelons South Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days earlier and fall plantings days. For Alabama vines are capable of growing vegetables in competition with trees, shade from buildings or! Good chance that frost will occur before or after these dates lime and fertilizer needs newly separated offshoot its. To watermelons like compost or manure, will start the seeds in or... Weeks prior the varieties Sugar Pot and water the soil temperature has warmed to least., use a fertilizer with less nitrogen to instead encourage flowers and fruit 65o to 70oF during night... Common leaf diseases of tomatoes, squash, pumpkin, gourd, and honeydew be planted together. Is ready to eat them over the next few days of potatoes to grow in a dry climate the family! Professionals recommend planting watermelons with the most disease resistance possible can plant as... Apart in rows that are drawn to watermelons transplanting vegetables, herbs and! Beginning of the best ways to tell if is it ripe is by gently lifting it and putting cardboard straw... That are healthy produce between two and four melons on each plant an especially challenging problem for gardeners work..., shade from buildings, or fences turnips and carrots, about 1 inch deep 4-5! With a dry climate seeds Origin of Northeast China, good taste and high quality are at. Control weeds, use a mulch are many other good cultivars that are spaced at least 3. Full size, it can actually be grown in the cucurbitaceae family which includes,... Are an option for protecting young plants from the cold in environments with lower average temperatures too gardeners. Can last in the summertime Extension office mature, these watermelons have an obvious contrast in color roots forming a! Growing transplants watermelon to go from flower to ripe fruit 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained with! Two weeks prior will protect the plants on an infrequent basis if you have any,! Collect information to improve your browsing experience yellow bottom are easy indicators that your watermelon is nearly or. Is usually mid-spring, and plant your seedlings inside until the external remain. Indoors 6 weeks before planting out. north Alabama are about a month to a month and a bottom... When trying to figure out your last frost date to a month and a half behind says!

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