If you’re planning your garden in Central Florida, knowing when to plant watermelon is the first step to a successful harvest. Getting the timing right is crucial for those big, sweet fruits.
Our climate here is perfect for watermelons, with its long, hot summers. But planting at the wrong time can lead to problems with pests or poor fruit set. Let’s break down the best schedule so you can plan your garden perfectly.
When to Plant Watermelon in Central Florida
For Central Florida, you have two main planting windows. The primary season is in early spring. The second, lesser-known chance is in late summer for a fall harvest.
Your goal is to have your plants growing actively during the warmest, sunniest months. You also want to avoid having young seedlings during a potential late frost or mature vines during the peak of the rainy season’s fungal issues.
The Spring Planting Window
This is your best and most reliable chance. The ideal time to plant watermelon seeds directly in your garden is from late February through mid-April.
- Coastal & Southern Interior (e.g., Orlando southward): You can start as early as late February.
- Northern Interior (e.g., Ocala area): Aim for mid-March to early April to be safe from a late chill.
Use this simple rule: wait until soil temperatures are consistently above 70°F. You can use a soil thermometer to check. Seeds will rot in cold, damp soil.
The Fall Planting Window
For a second harvest, try planting in early August. This targets a harvest in October or November, when weather is often drier and cooler.
- The key challenge is the intense heat and heavy rains of August. Seeds may need extra watering to germinate.
- Choose faster-maturing varieties (often called “icebox” types) that ripen in 70-85 days.
- This planting is a bit more of a gamble, but can pay off with delicious fruit for the holidays.
Why Timing Matters So Much
Planting too early risks a late frost killing seedlings. Planting too late in spring means vines hit their flowering stage during the daily afternoon thunderstorms of June and July. This excess moisture can:
- Wash away pollen, preventing fruit from setting.
- Promote powdery mildew and other fungal diseases.
- Attract more pests like aphids and whiteflies.
Choosing the Right Watermelon Variety
Picking a variety suited to Florida is half the battle. Look for disease resistance and a maturity date that fits your planting window.
Recommended Varieties for Central Florida
- Charleston Gray: A classic, oblong melon with good disease resistance. Takes about 85 days.
- Sugar Baby: A popular icebox melon, perfect for fall planting. Ripens in about 75 days.
- Crimson Sweet: Known for its sweetness and stripe pattern. Good resistance to fusarium wilt.
- Mickylee: A smaller, round melon ideal for limited space. Matures quickly.
Always check the seed packet for “days to maturity” and look for codes like “F1” for fusarium wilt resistance.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps for a strong start.
- Site Selection: Choose the sunniest spot in your yard. Watermelons need a minimum of 8 hours of direct sun.
- Soil Preparation: They prefer sandy, well-draining soil. Amend heavy clay soil with compost. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-6.8).
- Create Mounds or Rows: Form small hills of soil about 3 feet apart. This improves drainage and warms the soil faster.
- Planting Seeds: Plant 4-6 seeds per hill, about 1 inch deep. Once seedlings have two true leaves, thin to the 2 strongest plants per hill.
- Spacing is Key Give vines plenty of room. Space hills 6-8 feet apart for full-size varieties. Bush types need about 4 feet.
Caring for Your Watermelon Plants
Consistent care after planting ensures healthy growth.
Watering
Water deeply but infrequently, aiming for 1-2 inches per week. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Reduce watering as fruit ripens for sweeter melons.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer at planting. When vines begin to run, switch to a lower-nitrogen, higher-potassium fertilizer to promote flowering and fruiting. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen gives you lots of leaves but few fruits.
Pest and Disease Management
Common issues include:
- Aphids & Whiteflies: Blast them off with water or use insecticidal soap.
- Cucumber Beetles: Hand-pick or use row covers early in the season.
- Powdery Mildew: Improve air circulation and apply a fungicide labeled for edible plants if needed.
Rotating where you plant melons each year helps prevent soil-borne diseases from building up.
How to Know When Your Watermelon is Ripe
This is the fun part! Look for these three signs:
- The Curly Tendril: The small, curly tendril closest to the fruit stem turns brown and dries up.
- The Ground Spot: The spot where the melon rests on the ground changes from white to a creamy yellow.
- The Sound: Thump it. A ripe melon has a deep, hollow sound. An unripe one sounds tight and metallic.
The shine of the rind also dulls slightly when its ready. Don’t rely on just one sign; check for at least two.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I start watermelon seeds indoors in Florida?
You can, but it’s not usually nessesary due to our long season. If you do, use biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing roots and transplant before vines start running. Only start them 2-3 weeks before your outdoor planting date.
What is the latest I can plant watermelons in Central Florida?
For a spring planting, try not to go past May 1st. For a fall crop, get seeds in the ground by August 15th at the absolute latest for most varieties.
How long does it take to grow a watermelon?
It depends on the variety. Most need 80-90 days from seed to harvest. Smaller “icebox” types can be ready in as little as 70 days.
Why are my watermelon vines flowering but not setting fruit?
This is common. First, ensure you have both male and female flowers (females have a tiny bulge behind the flower). Poor fruit set is often due to lack of pollination during rainy weather. You can hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from male to female flowers with a small brush.
Can I use mulch for watermelon plants?
Yes! Black plastic mulch warms the soil in spring. Straw or pine bark mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep fruit clean and dry. It’s a great practice.
By following this timing guide and tips, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting your own sweet, homegrown watermelons. The taste of a perfectly ripe melon from your own garden is worth the wait. Just remember to check your local frost dates and be prepared to cover young plants if a surprise cold snap is forcasted. Good luck with your planting!