Citrullus lanatus
Watermelon
This description was machine-translated.
Description
The watermelon is the quintessential thirst‑quencher of summer, featuring crisp, juicy flesh that is usually red. It requires plenty of warmth, a long growing season, and ample space for vines to spread, whether grown in a greenhouse or on a sheltered south wall, it can thrive locally. Compact varieties such as 'Sugar Baby' are most likely to mature outdoors.
Care instructions
Start seedlings in April in a warm spot at a minimum of 22 °C, then transplant after the last frost (mid‑May, week 20) to the hottest location with deep, nutrient‑rich soil. Water generously during the growing phase, but reduce watering just before harvest to keep the flesh sweet. Harvest when the vine at the base of the stem dries out and a tapping sound is dull.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
sandy, humus-rich, well-drained, nutrient-rich
Feeding
Heavy feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
legume family (Fabaceae)
Beans and peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, which cucurbits, as heavy feeders, can make good use of.
For example PeaPole beanBroad beanMarker peaSugar peaRed bean and 30 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
Rather not
nightshade family (Solanaceae)
You should avoid planting potato and cucumber together because they share disease pathogens such as leaf and brown rot and stand in each other's way as strong feeders.
For example TomatoSweet pepperCocktail tomatoEggplantCape gooseberryChili and 8 more species in the catalogue
Source: basic crop-rotation rule
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
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