Expert Tips for Growing Watermelon in Containers: Best Varieties, Care, and Tips

At GoGardenPro, we’re passionate about helping you master the art of growing watermelon in containers. Whether you’re short on space or just love the idea of a watermelon container garden, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s explore how to choose the right variety, plant, and care for your watermelon to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Quick Care Guide

FACT	DETAIL
Common Name of Plants	Watermelon
Scientific Name	Citrullus lanatus
Containers	5-Gallon Pots, Grow Bags
Seeds/Varieties	Sugar Baby, Moon and Stars, Golden Midget
Soil	Well-Draining Potting Mix, Enriched with Compost
Fertilizer	Water-Based Weekly or Slow-Release Monthly
Sunlight	Full Sun, 6-8 Hours Daily
Water	Daily Watering, Twice Daily in Hot Weather
Support	Trellis, Teepee, Hammock for Fruits
Pests/Diseases	N/A
Equipment / Tools	Seedling Trays, Watering Can, Fertilizer, Grow Lights

Instructions for growing watermelon in containers

Best Watermelon Varieties

Choosing the right watermelon varieties is key to successful container gardening. Compact varieties thrive in limited space, making them perfect for your watermelon container garden. Some of the best options include:

• Sugar Baby: A small, round watermelon with a thin rind and sweet, juicy flesh.
• Moon and Stars: Known for its unique speckled rind and rich flavor.
• Golden Midget: A small variety with a yellow rind and sweet flesh, ideal for small spaces.

These varieties ensure a bountiful harvest in your container garden.

Selecting the Right Container Size and Type for Watermelon Growth

The success of your watermelon container garden depends on choosing the correct container. A 5-gallon pot with adequate drainage holes is ideal. It provides enough room for the roots to grow while ensuring proper water drainage.

Containers made of durable materials will support the growth of your watermelon throughout the season.

Preparing the Ideal Soil Mix

For your watermelons in containers to thrive, use a well-draining potting mix enriched with compost. This soil mix ensures that your plants receive the necessary nutrients while preventing root rot. Avoid using garden soil, which may compact and hinder root growth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Watermelon Seeds

Start your seeds indoors by planting them in seedling trays filled with potting soil. Once the seedlings reach 3-4 inches in height, transplant them into their permanent containers.

Make sure to plant the seeds at the right depth, ensuring that the roots can establish themselves firmly in the container.

Supporting Watermelon Vines in Small Spaces

Watermelon vines can take up a lot of space, but with proper support, you can grow them vertically. Using a trellis or teepee will help you train the vines upward, saving space and supporting fruit growth.

Additionally, creating hammocks for the fruits using stretchy materials will prevent the vines from being pulled down by the weight of the watermelons.

Watering and Fertilizing Watermelons

Watering is crucial, especially in hot weather. Ensure your watermelon container garden receives daily watering, and increase it to twice daily if temperatures soar above 80°F.

Fertilize your plants weekly with a water-based fertilizer or use a slow-release option monthly to provide consistent nutrients.

Sunlight for Container Watermelons

Watermelons require full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. Place your containers in a sunny spot, and if natural light is limited, consider using grow lights to supplement the sunlight.

Monitoring the sunlight exposure throughout the day will help your watermelons grow to their full potential.

Hand Pollination Techniques for Urban Container Gardening

In urban settings, pollinators may be scarce, so hand pollination might be necessary. Gently transfer pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers using a small brush or cotton swab. This simple technique will ensure your watermelon flowers develop into healthy fruits.

Harvesting Watermelons

Harvesting is an exciting part of growing watermelons in containers. Look for signs of ripeness, such as the change in rind color and the browning of tendrils.

When ready, cut the watermelons from the vine carefully to avoid damaging the plant, and enjoy your sweet, home-grown fruits.

FAQ growing watermelon in containers

Do watermelons grow well in containers?

Yes, especially small varieties like ‘Sugar Baby’ or ‘Crimson Sweet,’ in containers of at least 5 gallons with good drainage.

Can I grow watermelon in a 5-gallon bucket?

Yes, a 5-gallon bucket is sufficient, particularly for compact varieties, with adequate soil and drainage.

What month do you plant watermelon?

Plant in late spring, after the last frost, when temperatures are consistently above 70°F (21°C).

Do watermelons need full sun?

Yes, they require 8-10 hours of full sun daily for proper growth and sweetness.

Do watermelons need to be watered every day?

In containers, water daily, especially during hot weather, to maintain consistent moisture.

How many watermelons do you get from one plant?

Typically, 2 to 4 watermelons per plant, depending on the variety and conditions.

Should I pinch off watermelon flowers?

No, unless you want to focus the plant’s energy on fewer, larger fruits.

Should I trim my watermelon vines?

Trimming isn’t necessary but can help manage growth and focus energy on fruit.

How long does a watermelon plant produce fruit?

Watermelon plants produce fruit for 3-4 months during the growing season.

What to put under watermelon while growing?

Use cardboard, straw, or fabric under fruits to prevent rot and pest damage.

Conclusion

We hope this guide from GoGardenPro has inspired you to start your own watermelon container garden. Join our vibrant gardening community at GoGardenPro.com and share your experiences. Let’s grow together!