Watermelon cultivation in South Africa

In South Africa, planting of watermelon seeds normally starts at the beginning of spring in late August through to December. Also, first plantings start when the weather starts warming up and most important when soil temperatures are above 15°C.

What is the propagation method for water melon in South Africa?

In South Africa, watermelon propagation is from seed. Seeds can be direct seeded into the soil or seedlings can be made in seed trays and transplanted once the seedlings have grown.

How do I plant watermelon in South Africa?

In South Africa, ensure to plant watermelon seeds 30 to 40 mm deep. This is done by hand or by mechanical planter. Make sure soil is wet before planting and irrigate immediately after planting to settle seeds or seedlings.

How long does watermelon plant take before growing in South Africa?

It takes about for water melon plant to grow depending on the cultivar and the weather conditions during the growing period. Smaller and seedless varieties of watermelon ripen quicker and are popular for catching the early market.

How do I irrigate water melon in South Africa?

Follow the procedures below for watermelon irrigation in South Africa:

• Ensure to irrigate the soil thoroughly before planting to field capacity and maintain this so that the new seedlings can develop their roots quickly and utilize the nutrients that have been applied prior to planting. Monitor soil moisture stress regularly by hand with spade or augur or by soil moisture meters.
• An average weekly irrigation is between 30 and 35 mm. This is normally divided into two or even three applications per week while the plants develop. As the fruit sets and the roots systems are more developed the frequency of irrigations can be reduced to once per week on the heavier loam soils.
• As harvest nears irrigation should be reduced and in the last week before harvest can be stopped entirely unless temperatures are very high with relative humidity low.

What is the best month to plant watermelon in South Africa?

The best times to sow seeds for watermelons are early March and early August.

Watermelons need about 100 days of warm weather to produce an edible melon. If the warm, late fall and winter weather of recent years continues, you may get a watermelon for Christmas.

How many watermelons do you get per plant?

Bear in mind that, healthy watermelon vines produce around 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.