Watermelon typically takes between 70 and 100 days to grow from planting to harvest, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Smaller varieties like Sugar Baby mature faster, around 70-75 days, while larger types such as Queen of Hearts can take 80-85 days or more
. The growth process includes several stages:
- Germination: Seeds sprout in about 7-10 days under warm soil conditions (70-85°F or 21-29°C)
- Vine and leaf growth: Lasts about 20-30 days as the plant develops vines and leaves to support fruiting
- Flowering and pollination: Begins around 30-40 days after planting, lasting 15-20 days; successful pollination is essential for fruit set
- Fruit development and ripening: After pollination, it takes approximately 20-45 days for the fruit to grow to full size and ripen
Watermelon plants require warm soil (at least 60-70°F) and plenty of sunshine (8-10 hours daily) for optimal growth. Frost is fatal, so planting should only be done after the last frost date and when night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C)
. In summary, expect about 2.5 to 3 months from planting to harvesting ripe watermelons, with variation based on variety, climate, and care
