Fred Hsu (Wikipedia:User:Fred Hsu on en.wikipedia) / CC BY-SA 3.0
garden
Watermelon
Citrullus lanatus
EdibleMedicinalToxic — Use CautionDrought Tolerant
Edible PartsFruit Leaves Oil Oil Seed
Overview
The quintessential summer fruit, watermelon originated in Africa and has been cultivated for over 5,000 years — seeds were found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Modern varieties range from personal-sized icebox types to 200-pound giants, with flesh in red, yellow, orange, and even green. The entire fruit is edible — rind can be pickled, and seeds are nutritious when roasted.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones8 — 11
Height0.5m
Spread2m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 6.8
Soil TypeSandy, well-drained loam with plenty of organic matter and warmth
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Apr — May | Start 3-4 weeks before last frost; short-season varieties |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Transplant on black plastic for warmth |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Aug — Sep | Harvest when tendril nearest fruit turns brown |
| Cool (3-4) | Start Indoors | Apr — Apr | Start indoors for head start |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant after soil reaches 70°F |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Aug — Sep | Check ground spot — yellow when ripe |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | May — Jun | Direct sow when soil warm |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Thump test: hollow sound = ripe |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Mar — May | Direct sow in spring |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Jun — Aug | Summer harvest |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Feb — Apr | Direct sow early spring |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | May — Jul | Early summer harvest |
Uses
Culinary
- Fresh sliced — the iconic summer fruit
- Rind pickled as a Southern delicacy
- Juiced, frozen into popsicles, and blended into agua fresca
Medicinal
- Rich in lycopene — one of the highest food sources
- Citrulline amino acid supports blood flow and exercise recovery
- High water content supports hydration
Other Uses
- Seeds roasted as a nutritious, protein-rich snack
- Competitive giant watermelon growing at county fairs
Safety Notes
The sprouting seed produces a toxic substance in its embryo[65].
