🌱 How to Grow Watermelon from Seeds

Common Names:

• Hindi: तरबूज (Tarbuj)

• Tamil: தர்பூசணி (Tharbusanai)

• Telugu: పెరిగుడుపండు (Perigidupandu)

• Malayalam: തർബൂസ് (Tharbuz)

• Kannada: ಕಲ್ಲಂಗಡಿ (Kallangadi)

• English: Watermelon

• Botanical Name: Citrullus lanatus

1. Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season fruit

• Best time to sow:

  • Spring–Summer: Jan–Apr

  • Monsoon: Jun–Aug (only with excellent drainage)

• Ideal Temperature: 25°C–35°C

• Sensitive to frost; needs long warm growing season

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Sandy loam or loamy, well-draining

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Enrich soil with compost, cow dung manure, and wood ash

• Create raised beds or mounds to avoid waterlogging

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • In ground: 3–4 feet between plants and 5–6 feet between rows

  • In large containers (18–24 inch): Sow 2–3 seeds and thin to 1 strong seedling

• Water gently after sowing

4. Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist during germination and early growth

• Reduce watering when fruits start forming to improve sweetness

• Avoid water on leaves — prevents fungal issues

5. Germination

• Germinates in 7–10 days

• Needs warmth and consistent moisture

• Thin seedlings if too crowded

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Requires 6–8 hours of full sunlight per day

• Grows best between 25°C to 35°C

• Protect young plants from strong winds

7. Fertilization

• Apply compost or organic fertilizer every 2–3 weeks

• Use banana peel compost or potash-rich liquid feed during fruit development

• Avoid excessive nitrogen — causes more leaves, fewer fruits

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, fruit flies, spider mites, powdery mildew

• Spray neem oil + mild soap every 10–15 days

• Practice crop rotation and avoid overhead watering

9. Harvesting

• Ready to harvest in 75–100 days

• Signs of ripeness:

  • Bottom spot turns creamy yellow

  • Tapping makes a dull, hollow sound

  • Tendril near fruit stem dries out

• Cut fruit with a sharp knife or pruning shears

10. Regrow Tip

• Save seeds from fully ripe watermelon

• Wash, dry well, and store in a cool, dry place for next season

🍉 Health Benefits of Watermelon

• Excellent hydration – over 90% water

• Rich in vitamin C and lycopene – supports heart and skin health

• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

• Aids digestion and muscle recovery