Watermelon. Popular in August at roadside stands throughout the state, the watermelon does especially well on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Commercial growers raise both standard and ice-box types, typically planting 2,500 acres per year.
When should I plant watermelon in Maryland?
Vegetable planting calendar – plain text version
| Crop name | Planting time and method | Harvest time |
|---|---|---|
| Watermelon* | Mid-May through mid-June, plant seeds directly in the ground | July through September |
Can you grow watermelon in your backyard?
They need warm soil to develop and thrive. As a rule of thumb, we will plant directly our seeds or transplant our young watermelon seedlings only after we have planted every other vegetable in our garden during late spring. Watermelons need temperatures from 18°C to 35 °C (65 °F – 95 °F) and plenty of sunlight.
What month do you plant watermelon?
Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70° F or above. Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
What zone can you grow watermelons in?
Ideal Temperature. Watermelons can grow as annuals in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 11 and need 70 to 90 days to reach maturity, depending on the variety.
How long it takes for watermelon to grow?
between 70 and 100 days
About Watermelons
However, gardeners in colder climates can still have success in growing watermelons by starting seeds indoors or purchasing young plants from a nursery, and by growing shorter-season varieties. Depending on the variety of watermelon, it can take between 70 and 100 days to go from planting to harvest.
What planting zone is Maryland?
Maryland’s Plant Hardiness Zones range from 5a to 8a.
Do watermelons like full sun?
Regardless of what variety you grow in your pots, be sure to site the containers in a location where they receive a minimum of 8 hours of full sun per day. Watermelons will not form flowers or fruits if they don’t get enough sun. ‘Sugar Pot’ and ‘Bush Sugar Baby’ are the best two choices for container growing.
Should you start watermelon indoors?
Start watermelon seed indoors 8 to 6 weeks before transplanting seedlings to the garden; set out transplants 2 or more weeks after the last frost in spring. Sow seed indoors in peat pots filled with seed starting mix. The indoor temperature should be between 80-90°F (27-32°C) until germination.
How many gallons of water does it take to grow a watermelon?
They require plentiful regular, even watering for quick growing. Give watermelons 1 to 2 inches (2.5. -5cm) of water every week (1 inch equals 16 gallons/60.5 liters.) Keep the soil moist until the fruit reaches full size then stop watering while the fruit ripens.
Is watermelon easy to grow?
The great news: watermelon is relatively easy to grow! It takes a long season and thrives in hot weather, but give it some space to sprawl, and it’s mostly maintenance-free!
How many watermelons does a plant produce?
2-4 fruits
How Many Watermelons per Plant? Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. The vines produce both male and female flowers. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males.
Can I grow a watermelon from the seeds?
Grow watermelon indoors:
Sow your watermelon seeds in pots in mid-to-late May. In order to do this, fill some pots with seed-starting formula and sow each seed at a depth of 1 inch. You should sow 2-3 seeds per pot. Keep the soil moist and warm, at a temperature of 21 – 22°C.
How cold can watermelon plants tolerate?
Because watermelons are warm-season crops, they cannot withstand a freeze or even a light frost. An air temperature of 33 degrees Fahrenheit or below kills watermelons.
What is the best state to grow watermelon?
Florida has historically been the top producer of watermelons and accounted for 19 percent of the 3.9 billion pounds of U.S. watermelon production in 2012.
How do watermelons grow in cold climates?
The key to success for sprouting watermelons is warm soil with limited watering.
- Water the planting media thoroughly the day before planting.
- Make sure the soil temperature in the transplant containers is between 75-90 F.
- Plant your seeds about 1 inch deep.
- Do not water until plants emerge.
How do you prepare soil for watermelon?
A gentle, south-facing slope is ideal. Watermelons grow in many kinds of soil, but prefer a light, sandy, fertile loam that drains easily. Add generous amounts of manure, compost and leaves to your garden and work the soil well prior to planting. Melons like lots of water, so keep the soil moist at all times.
Does watermelon plants need a lot of water?
Typically, watermelon plants need 1-2 inches of water per week so that the soil stays moist but not wet. If you’re not getting enough rain each week, make sure you give your plants an extra drink.
Can you grow watermelon indoors?
You can plant indoor watermelon seedlings in your home garden once the soil temperature reaches at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange plants in raised mounds along a row (known as “hills”) to direct heat more efficiently, and maintain good drainage.
What plants grow well in Maryland?
Herbaceous Plants
| Common Name | Plant Genus | Butterfly/moth species supported |
|---|---|---|
| Lupine | Lupinus | 33 |
| *Violets | Viola | 29 |
| *Geraniums | Geranium | 23 |
| *Black-eyed susan | Rudbeckia | 17 |
What zone is Baltimore Maryland?
Related Maryland Maps:
| Maryland Location | USDA Hardiness Zone(s) |
|---|---|
| Baltimore | Zone 7a, 7b, 8a |
| Baltimore City County | Zone 7a, 7b, 8a |
| Baltimore County | Zone 6b, 7a, 7b |
| Baltimore Highlands | Zone 7b |