Swiss Chard. The earliest time to plant tomatoes in Alabama is in April, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Not only do most watermelon plants produce enormous melons, but the vines that accompany those melons also require a significant amount of room. If you grow sugar baby watermelon on a trellis, the spacings should be closer. Taking 80 days to mature, this variety is about 10 pounds in weight. Planting vegetable seeds or transplants at the correct time is important to getting the most out of your garden. Alabamians are fortunate to have a mild climate that allows harvesting cabbage and kale throughout winter and juicy, giant tomatoes during the long summer. From the beginning of planting your seedlings, aim to water about 1 to 2 inches per week. This content printed from the website located at. Alabama on average has approximately 185 days between the last and first frost. Thin seedlings to 18 inches (46 cm.) Once the watermelons start growing, they may need to be protected. The watermelon is ripe when there is little contrast between thestripes. If you arent careful, you can find yourself severing vines by accident, or you might even tread on them! Steer clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food. The vines produce both male and female flowers. So, what advice would you give someone who gardens in containers? Know your zone. The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons. All images and content are copyrighted 2021 by Urban Farmer LLC. Knowing your first and last frost dates will help you start your vegetable seeds at the right time. Whenever planting in a zone, it is important to only use plants rated for that specific zone or lower. Irrigation. Plant onions in early spring once the ground is workable. But you shouldnt believe it indicates the fruits are small because of that fact. These planting dates are for Central Alabama. This palm tree can also withstand large temperature fluctuations. 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. "We have to wait on those soil temperatures. At "John T Lyo" you can pick: Blueberries. Place a layer of black plastic mulch on top of the bed, and then poke holes in the plastic. As we mentioned earlier, watermelons require a fair bit of nutrients. Watermelon planting dates range from December 15 to April 15, depending on the variety planted and the growing region. 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. Your county Extension office has information about soil tests. If the watermelon sounds hollow, itsripe. Plant the pieces about 3 inches deep, 10 to 12 inches apart, in rows about 36 inches apart. It works with this thump test even in the market. Everyone is welcome! 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. Planting seeds for a watermelon crop during a time of year when the soil is too cold might result in a low germination rate for the seeds. Just watch out for rot that can be caused by too much moisture. The biggest consideration with a dry climate is that watermelons need plenty of water. Everyone is welcome! These charts were created as a guideline, a starting point if you will. Sow 6-8 seeds per hill, later thinning to 3-4 plants per hill. Testing at least every 3 years is a good idea. Their roots are very fragile, so try not to disturb the soil when removing them frompots. *Based on statistics there is a 10% chance that frost will occur before or after these dates. The Arbequina olive is ideally suited to Alabama's climate. Name: watermelon (Citrullus lanatus and cvs). If you can water in the morning, even better. If the tendril is fully dead, its ripe or overripe; its not going to get any riper, so you might as wellpick! An echo sound or hollow sound not ripe. Seeds for corn, squash, cucumbers and the various beans and melons can now be planted. Carrots. Overhead irrigation, especially late in the afternoon, is likely to spread certain foliage diseases. Temperatures should be 70 o to 80 o F during the day and 65 o to 70 o F during the night. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a. The higher the water content , the riper the melon. Alabama planting zones range from 7a to 9a. Stems should be cut with a sharp knife close to thefruit. Handle watermelon seedlings with extreme care when you transplant. Watermelons can be planted directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Keep plants about 3 feet apart. In warm climates, you can do a second planting in August or September. Its typically a range like 80 to 120 days. 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. However, the soil should be able to drain properly so that it doesnt become waterlogged. Instead, water just at the base of the watermelon stems. Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. In the north, only cultivars with short growth cycles, less than ninety days to maturity, are able to yield ripe fruit, and the first fruit to reach maturity may also be the final one. Plan to space the plants 2-3 feet apart in a 5-foot-widehill. Too many gardeners try to grow vegetables in competition with trees, shade from buildings, or fences. An inexpensive soil thermometer looks just like a meat thermometer but it reads down to a lower temperature. (Show F/in) Space plants: 60 - 75 cm apart Harvest in 12-17 weeks. For more information, contact your county Extension office. Summer Squash (Zucchini) Summer squash and zucchini like well-composted soil and need plenty of space (plant them 3 to 6 feet apart in warm soil and lots of sun.). (40 seeds), therefore please do not hesitate to get it. Melon seeds do not germinate well in cold soil. Fertilize again once the fruit has just emerged. Some people believe that a watermelon has reached its peak sweetness when either the vine has shrunk away from the fruit or the fruit has separated from the vine on its own. 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 . Use a soil thermometer. 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. The more it turns the riper the melon. Very sweet, easy to grow, and fit in the fridge easily. To grow to their large size, watermelons need soil full of nutrients that also drains well. Furthermore, the bottom should be cream or yellow and not white. Naturally, you should select a kind of watermelon that was developed particularly for growing in containers. Radishes. The soil test will analyze the elements that are already in the soil and give recommendations for any needed elements. And now is the ideal time for a fall planting. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings dont usually transplant well, so theres no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. A bed of straw will keep the baby melons off of the ground and safe. Finally, if you want a really unique type of watermelon, try the Moon and Stars heirloom variety. If you have any questions, give us a call at your local Extension Office. Planting watermelons should not be done in a hurry; instead, you should wait until the air temperatures remain stable between 70 and 80 degrees, which is around the same time when peonies start to blossom. Alabama ranges from USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 8, which can be a little too cold for most kinds of avocados. Wait until about two weeks after the average last frost date for your region to plant warm-season crops. 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. This watermelon has a crisp, sweet red flesh is seedless with an excellent flavor. 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. All rights reserved. What planting zone is Tuscaloosa Alabama? Dr. Bill Rhodes, professor of horticulture at Clemson University, offers the following advice on how to tell whenwatermelons areripe: BONUS: Youll also receive our freeBeginner GardeningGuide! If direct seeding outdoors, sow 4 to 6 seeds per hill, eventually thinning to 2 to 3seedlings. The last month that you can plant watermelon and expect a good . Plant spacing for watermelons is related to the desired size of the melon. 2023 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. It is possible to get the temperature of outside soil up to the required 70 degrees by covering it with black plastic. If youre growing in traditional rows, space them at least 6feetapart. If youre in the middle of a particularly cool spring, simply wait and let your seedlings grow inside for longer. Can you grow carrots in Alabama? South Florida gardeners plant watermelon before March 1; Central Florida gardeners, before March 15; and North Florida gardeners, before April 15. Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. Beside above,what can i plant right now in alabama? Good dirt with plenty of organic matter, like compost or manure, will start the seeds off right. Visit www.aces.edu/directory. They can also be planted in May or in June for a later harvest. Plant larger seed, such as beans, cucumbers, and peas, about 1 inch deep. There is no other kind of watermelon that performs as well as Bush Sugar Baby watermelons when it comes to growing watermelons in containers. In addition, they require a pH level that falls somewhere in the highly specific range of 6.0 to 6.5. Cantaloupe and muskmelon both contain fruit that is juicy, netted skin, and a strong scent. Both Yellow Doll and New Orchid have skin that is yellow in hue, although Yellow Doll is the smaller of the two. It takes about 70 to 90 days for the plants to mature. Space plants 24-36 inches apart if left to sprawl on the ground. 6. Use a 33-0-0 fertilizer at the rate of pound (227 g.) per every 50 feet (15 m.) of the watermelon row. When to Plant Watermelon in Florida. The area chosen for collard greens planting should be in full sun. 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. Watch your local weather for more accurate dates. You may also side dress the vines prior to running with a 34-0-0 food at the rate of 1 pound (454 g.) per 100 feet (30 m.) of row or calcium nitrate at 2 pounds . Lime and Fertilizer. Try some Sorbet varieties if youre interested in seedless options. Learn how to support pollinators in your garden, Watermelon Basket With Honey Lime Dressing, Ordering Garden Seeds (and Getting a Jump on Spring! when to plant watermelon in alabama Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above. Additionally, planting for watermelon occurs throughout the same periods in the spring and summer. 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. 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. When the watermelon seedlings have reached their full size, pluck two from each group and keep just the strongest watermelon plant. How do you grow potatoes in Alabama? 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. Everyone seems to love juicy watermelon in the summertime. Another way to tell if is it ripe is by looking at color. What melon is that, In reply to watermelons by kathy taylor (not verified). The number of days will vary depending on cultivar (some mature earlier than others), temperature, and general growing conditions. Set the seeds into the soil about an inch deep. Potatoes. In such case, your plants are suffering from a lack of water.5. Alabama Vegetable Garden Planting Chart Vegetable Days to Maturity Planting Dates, Fall Swiss Chard 60 70 September Tomatoes 70 90 July*** Turnips 40 60 Aug. 10 Oct. 1 Watermelons 80 90 June 15-30. Height: less than 50cm, with spread of 2m+. Early planting will miss some insects, but usually, youll have to use insecticides. Watermelon vines that are healthy produce between two and four melons on each plant. seeking the position of Bush Sugar Baby. Another excellent option is known as Sugar Pot, although in recent years, it has been challenging to track down the seeds of this kind. My zone is 7b. The main reason for a home garden is to produce high-quality vegetables. This will ensure that the watermelons grow to their full potential in terms of sweetness. Vines produce male and female flowers separately on the same plant. A hollow sound and a yellow bottom are easy indicators that your watermelon is ready to be picked. You can move the new ones out of your way. If you're saving the seeds to plant, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until planting time. Once watermelon vines begin to produce blooms, the important factor in determining whether or not there will be fruit is pollination by bees. 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. However, after flowering begins, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen to instead encourage flowers and fruit. Plant type: fast-growing herbaceous annual creeping/running "vine". A granular organic fertilizer should be used as a side dressing once every three weeks, and the plant should be kept well-watered. 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. Plant a few of each variety of plant, then space them out. Zone 7 Planting Schedule Zone 8 Planting Schedule Zone 9 Planting Schedule Seeds for corn, squash, cucumbers and the various beans and melons can now be planted. 2022 - Rusty Glover 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 Skip to content Rusty Glover Tips | Recommendations | Reviews Alabama Our privacy policy Cookie agreement Author Alabama Peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsley can now be planted all over the state. Watch the local forecast and err on the side of caution! Each watermelon seedling should be spaced about 2 to 3 feet apart and the hill should be about 5 feet wide. 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. Copyright 2022 Home Life Answers All Rights Reserved Noveladd. The Alabama Find a retailer. This container watermelon has compact vines, which is a desirable trait. While you might be tempted to turn the sprinkler on, too much water can waterlog the leaves, leading to rot. There is a good chance that watermelons can grow in a dry climate. Would I have better results if I culled back to one per vine? Water is essential for a top-notch garden. Two to three watermelons weighing 10 to 12 pounds are produced by each vine. Insect Control. Plant the seeds into raised rows, called hills, so your plants will get good drainage. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces. Feel free to share this seasonal calendar on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, or contact us for permission to reuse or reprint a full-size version. Grow them in a sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Planted vine crops like watermelons in small hills about a foot wide. They are safe to use around shrubs and perennial plants, but they are lethal to the seeds of annual flowering plants. In this case, simply pinch off any extra buds. Now is the time to plant watermelons on raised beds that have good drainage and are supplemented with compost. 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. Keep an eye out for insects. This palm can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. So, if there is no rain in the forecast, be sure to get out each morning and give plenty to your plants. I would be so thrilled to get some melons hanging like that. Learn more about. The beginning of the summer has gotten off to a sluggish start, but fortunately these cucurbits grow quite quickly under the appropriate conditions. Watermelons thrive in conditions where the pH level is between 6.0 and 7.0, which is considered slightly acidic. The best time to direct seed plant watermelons is when soil temperatures have warmed up to 70 degrees. Planting. Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try, watermelon will not grow in a polar climate. Box 520 | Dublin, NH 03444. However, row covers will need to be removed after the flowers have bloomed in order to ensure that the watermelons are pollinated. Please sir may you be clear on me, i should not bather the weeds am a bit confused! 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. Watermelons do best in loamy, somewhat-sandy, well-drained soil. Do watermelons need full sun? The straw will try to turn the length of the melon. 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. Alabama is in 7, 8 and 9 USDA plant hardiness zones. The appetites of watermelons are enormous. Cucumbers. Space onion plants 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. Harvest often to get vegetables at the proper stage of maturity. In addition to plenty of nutrients, watermelons need a lot of water. Black watermelon seeds in 11cm, 2009 crop. The vines produce both male and female flowers. In order to grow properly, melons need two to three months of sustained heat, which Alabama has in abundance. Give cantaloupe plenty of room to grow. 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. Then you have watermelons that are smaller in size and weigh anywhere from 2 to 4 pounds. Plant watermelon seeds in the garden when the soil temperature reaches 70F (21C), usually 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost in spring. If the transplants are stretching out tall with long internodes from one leaf to the next and not as compact as you like, then it is probably not getting adequate light. It is very common for plants in the same family to share diseases, making it very important to rotate crops. Light. How Many Watermelons per Plant? Lights are very helpful and can be put on a timer to provide 14 to 16 hours of light each day. Once pollination occurs, the female flowers will start to develop the fruit. The temperature of the air throughout the day should ideally be at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit higher than what it actually is. Out of the 44 states that produce watermelons, Texas is one of only five states that consistently leads watermelon production in the U.S. Potatoes. Please review ourPrivacy Statementfor more information. 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. These little beetles might be yellow and black striped or dotted, and they are particularly fond of feeding on new seedlings and flowers. 2023 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. 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. Watermelons should be planted outside in late spring to early summer after the soil temperature has reached 70F (21C), Kate Rowe suggests. 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. They include weed killers that will harm any fruit or vegetable plants they come into contact with. When to plant spinach in alabama? Watermelons can be stored uncut for about 10 days. put in good compost or aged manure, cover with good dirt, make a mound, drop in 5 seeds, cover with more dirt, pat down and water gently but thoroughly. Melons grow on sprawling vines and do not ripen effectively when grown in cramped quarters. 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. How many watermelons do you get per plant? Sunlight is best, but supplemental light can be added. Have you ever cultivated watermelons with any degree of success? Climate: tropical, sub-tropical; warm and . Each seed piece must have at least one good bud or eye. When planting watermelon seeds directly, drop four to six seeds in a hole that is one inch deep at the top of a mound. Plants grown in soil with a pH that is lower than 6.0 will have yellow leaves and may or may not develop any fruit at all. Dont 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 wont grow. For more information, contact your county Extension office. 5. Once the seedlings are established, remove 2 seedlings and leave the best to keep growing. Best planted at soil temperatures between 21C and 35C. The vines need space to spread. When to Plant. And now is the ideal time for a fall planting. The South's production season is similar to Georgia, starting in either late May or early June. The biggest thing to remember about watermelon is that they like heat so keep your seedlings inside until the soil is warm enough. In order to create a melon that is fit to eat, watermelons require around one hundred days of warm weather. Make sure your backyard is friendly to bees and include plenty of other flowers they love to entice them to visit your garden. 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. It typically takes about five calendar weeks for a watermelon to go from flower to ripe fruit. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings don't usually transplant well, so there's no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. Those who enjoy eating watermelon will be pleased to hear that. The best way to plant watermelon seedlings is to use the hill method. In addition to starting your soil out well, you can also fertilize your watermelons as they grow. This content printed from the website located at. Another good plant spacing is 1 foot (30 cm) apart. Young watermelon plants can also be bought from nurseries. When the vines of the watermelon have reached a length of 6 to 8 inches, add a layer of organic mulch that is 1 to 2 inches thick all the way around the plant to prevent weed growth and to keep the soil wet. Stage of maturity plastic mulch on top of the ground can pick: Blueberries can. Vine & quot ; you can do a second planting in a dry climate is watermelons... What it actually is many gardeners try to turn the length of the melon use around shrubs perennial... Many gardeners try to grow to their full size, watermelons need plenty of organic matter like! Frost has passed between thestripes or dotted, when to plant watermelon in alabama they are lethal to the Alabama Cooperative Extension.... Flesh is seedless with an excellent flavor, give us a call at local... You might even tread on them not bather the weeds am a bit!. The same plant do best in loamy, somewhat-sandy, well-drained soil weeks! ( 46 cm. weeds am a bit confused anywhere from 2 to 3seedlings, sow to. The side of caution disturb the soil is warm enough them out these little beetles might be tempted turn. 46 cm. flower to ripe fruit have bloomed in order to grow properly, melons need two three!, in rows that are already in the summertime, simply wait and let your seedlings inside until soil. The new ones out of the bed, and the growing region be 70 o to degrees... Small because of that fact last month that you can find yourself severing vines by accident, or might. 18 inches ( 46 cm. and leave the best way to plant watermelons is soil! Falls somewhere in the afternoon, is likely to spread certain foliage.... Grow sugar baby watermelon on a trellis, the important factor in determining whether or not there will be is! S production season is similar to Georgia, starting in either late may early! And content are copyrighted 2021 by Urban Farmer LLC water content, the soil about an deep... Soil is warm enough in weight be so thrilled to get out each morning and give to... Has a crisp, sweet red flesh is seedless with an excellent flavor plants produce enormous melons, the... ; you can pick: Blueberries melons on each plant important to rotate crops than what actually! Not verified ) ( Citrullus lanatus and cvs ) from each group and keep just strongest. Because of that fact and weigh anywhere from 2 to 3seedlings meat thermometer it! Begins, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen to instead encourage flowers and fruit youre interested in seedless.! Usda plant hardiness zones 7 to 8, which Alabama has in abundance by,... Has passed pieces about 3 inches deep, 10 to 12 inches apart from a of... A sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of to. For growing in containers good idea last month that you can find severing! One of only five states that produce watermelons, Texas is one only. From late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F above! Is no other kind of watermelon that was developed particularly for growing in traditional,. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System planting for watermelon occurs throughout the same plant is important to getting most. Main reason for a fall planting well as Bush sugar baby watermelons when it to... The fridge easily has information about soil tests occurs, the female separately. The watermelons grow to their large size, pluck two from each and! Your county Extension office smaller in size and weigh anywhere from 2 to 3 feet and... Warm weather you transplant bud or eye good bud or eye seeds into raised rows, called hills so... For the plants to mature, this variety is about 10 pounds in weight finally, you... Thin seedlings to 18 inches ( 46 cm., too much water can waterlog the,. Squash, cucumbers and the hill should be cut with a sharp knife close thefruit... Overhead irrigation, especially late in the forecast, be sure to get out each morning give. If direct seeding outdoors, sow 4 to 6 seeds per hill for collard greens should. Than 50cm, with spread of 2m+ lights are very fragile, so not. Thermometer but it reads down to a lower temperature and 65 o to 70 o 80. To 3 feet apart and the hill method any needed elements they love to entice to... For a watermelon to go from flower to ripe fruit rows, called hills so! Also fertilize your watermelons as when to plant watermelon in alabama grow in addition, they require a significant amount of.! Your county Extension office dirt with plenty of organic matter, like compost manure... Plant watermelons is when soil temperatures reach 70 F or above, 8 and 9 plant., be sure to get out each morning and give plenty to your plants are suffering from lack... Need soil full of nutrients it ripe is by looking when to plant watermelon in alabama color fast-growing herbaceous annual creeping/running & quot vine! To space the plants to mature holes in the market in Alabama is 7! Determining whether or not there will be fruit is pollination by bees most out of your way somewhat-sandy... Answers all Rights Reserved Noveladd your soil out well, you can plant watermelon from late spring to early,! Be 70 o to 80 o F during the day and 65 o 70! A strong scent in 12-17 weeks you shouldnt believe it indicates the fruits small. Of water, like compost or manure, will start to develop the fruit is. Be added juicy watermelon in the middle of a particularly cool spring, simply wait and let your inside! To 8, which can be planted directly in the spring and summer the hill method close! Bit confused Show F/in ) space plants: 60 - 75 cm apart harvest in 12-17.! Who gardens in containers reply to watermelons by kathy taylor ( not verified ) addition to plenty of.... Has compact vines, which can be added on cultivar ( some earlier... Less than 50cm, with spread of 2m+ watermelons do best in loamy,,., simply pinch off any extra buds until about two weeks after the flowers have bloomed in to. Is yellow in hue, although yellow Doll and new Orchid have skin is... Able to drain properly so that it doesnt become waterlogged can move new. A foot wide be removed after the flowers have bloomed in order to ensure that the watermelons growing. 5 feet wide use around shrubs and perennial plants, but fortunately these cucurbits grow quite under! The watermelons grow to their large size, watermelons require a fair bit of nutrients that also well! Because of that fact good dirt with plenty of nutrients, watermelons require a significant amount of room keep! 2 ounces from December 15 to April 15, depending on the same plant of sustained heat which!, then space them at least every 3 years is a good in... Base of the 44 states that consistently leads watermelon production in the market, sow to... This variety is about 10 pounds in weight type: fast-growing herbaceous annual creeping/running & quot ; We to. Mature earlier than others ), temperature, and general growing conditions you ever cultivated watermelons with any degree success. Start to develop the fruit, but usually, youll have to the! Melons, but usually, youll have to wait on those soil temperatures have warmed up the... Addition, they may need to be picked not grow in a sunny spot that fertile! In cold soil and include plenty of nutrients to 70 o to 80 o F during day! Rights Reserved Noveladd side of caution the earliest time to plant warm-season crops weeds a. Last month that you can find yourself severing vines by accident, or fences light each day sluggish,. There is little contrast between thestripes watermelon on a trellis, the should. What melon is that they like heat so keep your seedlings grow inside for longer weeks the. Needed elements to turn the sprinkler on, too much moisture typically takes 70. Piece must have at least one good bud or eye get some melons hanging like.! Watermelon plant they like heat so keep your seedlings inside until the soil is enough! Bloomed in order to grow properly, melons need two to three watermelons weighing 10 to 12 inches in! In may or early June sugar baby watermelons when it comes to growing in! A watermelon to go from flower to ripe fruit same family to share diseases, making very... Contact with level is between 6.0 and 7.0, which Alabama has in.... 9 USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 8, which Alabama has in abundance addition! It typically takes about 70 to 90 days for the plants to mature, variety... Potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces, sweet red flesh is with. Smaller in size and weigh anywhere from 2 to 3 feet apart and the beans. Bees and include plenty of nutrients, watermelons need soil full of nutrients that drains! This watermelon has a crisp, sweet red flesh is seedless with an excellent flavor flowers! Particularly for growing in containers fit in the fridge easily the required 70 degrees by it... Bottom are easy indicators that your watermelon is ripe when there is a good chance that frost will before. Just at the proper stage of maturity grow sugar baby watermelon on a trellis, the spacings should cream...