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Watermelon Seeds

Watermelon seeds produce hardy plants that add something special to your summer harvests. Their plants produce large, juicy fruits with vibrant flesh - usually red or pink, sometimes yellow or orange. Watermelon seeds are relatively easy to cultivate and are suitable for even the novice gardener to grow. They thrive in rich, well-drained soil, and require plenty of sun.

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Survival Garden Seeds offers quite a few varieties of watermelon seeds for sale, including classic Crimson Sweet, the beloved Sugar Baby, and the exotic Moon and Stars. Each variety is carefully packaged with detailed instructions for successful planting.

Growing Watermelon Seeds in Your Garden

  • Annual plant that thrives in hot climates
  • 7 tasty varieties are available, including short-season varieties
  • Non-GMO heirloom watermelon seeds
  • Abundant in lycopene, vitamins, minerals, and fiber

FACTS ABOUT WATERMELON SEEDS

Watermelons are native to Africa but adopted worldwide in places with hot summers or access to hothouses. The long growing season for watermelon peaks in the hot summer months, with harvest in late summer to early fall. Watermelon plants come in many varieties including compact bush-type plants and sprawling vines producing massive fruits. With the right care, watermelons can be grown from USDA hardiness zones 3 through 11.

PLANTING WATERMELON SEEDS

To achieve the best results, watermelon seeds should be planted directly in your garden in a sunny location once the soil temperature reaches at least 70°F. You can also start watermelons early indoors in areas with short growing seasons. Transplants must be handled with care, so avoiding disturbing the delicate roots. Seed planting is done one inch deep in hills or rows, providing space for vine growth. Adding compost or matured manure before planting enhances soil fertility and helps with moisture retention.

Watering your watermelon plants is crucial, especially during fruit development. Just like other vegetables from the same family (e.g. cucumbers and squashes), watermelon fruits are mostly water. Keeping this in mind while cultivating them helps with planning. Once established, watermelons can tolerate short dry periods, but they perform best with regular watering.

MAINTAINING WATERMELON PLANTS

Watermelons prefer a sunny location where they can receive six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. They perform best in rich, loamy soil. Mulching around plants is advised, as it helps retain soil moisture and controls weeds. As the vines grow, monitor for pests and diseases to make sure nothing hinders healthy development. If possible, elevating the fruits off the ground can help with airflow and prevent rot issues.

The anticipation of trying a home-grown watermelon is part of the joy of gardening. choose a variety of watermelon with seeds, so that you can save your seeds and plant again and again in upcoming years. And, of course, enjoy the sweet juicy reward at the end of the harvest season!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques. You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a "packed for" date, and we germination test each seed lot before packaging to ensure you receive viable, high-quality seeds that are ready to grow.

Are your seeds chemically treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our seeds. All of our garden seeds are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

Will your seeds grow in my USDA Hardiness zone?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these garden seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly. Check your seed packet for specific varieties. For best results, keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store them in an airtight container in a consistent temperature environment—a refrigerator or cool basement works well. Proper storage helps maintain germination rates and extends seed life well beyond the packed date.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO, heirloom varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.

Learn more in the blog

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