How to Grow Seedless Watermelon: 8 Easy Steps
Want to know how to grow seedless watermelon in your garden? It’s simple—start with the right seeds, give them plenty of sun, and don’t forget to plant a pollinator. These juicy, sweet watermelons are worth the effort.
Stay tuned and learn how you can grow them like a pro.
How to Grow Seedless Watermelon? (8 Steps)

To grow seedless watermelon, follow these easy steps:
- Start by choosing the right time and seeds.
- Begin the seeds indoors before moving them outside when it gets warmer.
- Provide plenty of water and sunlight.
- Plant a pollinator variety nearby to help with fruit production.
- Keep the soil healthy and train the vines.
Follow these and then harvest when the watermelons ripen.
Step 1: Choose the Best Time
The best time to grow seedless watermelon seeds is when the weather is warm and frost-free. If you start too early when it’s cold, the seeds won’t grow well. I always wait until the temperature stays above 70°F (21°C). Here’s what you should do:
- Wait until late spring or early summer for planting.
- Make sure there’s no more frost.
- Check that the soil temperature is above 70°F before planting outside.
You need around 80 to 85 days for watermelons to grow, so don’t plant too late in the season. Mark your calendar to stay on track!
Step 2: Choose the Right Seeds
Not all watermelon seeds are the same. If you want seedless watermelons, you need to get seedless watermelon seeds that are marked as triploid. Here’s what I do to get the right seeds:
- Look for seeds labeled “seedless” or “triploid.”
- Check with a trusted seller or garden center.
- If you want to know where to buy seedless watermelon seeds, look for them in gardening stores or online from reliable sellers.
Remember, these seeds won’t produce seeds in the fruit, but you’ll still need to follow special steps for pollination later.
Step 3: Start Seeds Indoors
I always start my seedless watermelon seeds indoors because they need warmth to grow. Here’s how to do it:
- Plant your seeds indoors about 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost.
- Keep the soil warm, around 85°F (29°C), using a seedling heat mat if you can.
- Plant the seeds about ½ inch deep in well-draining potting soil.
- Water the soil lightly to keep it moist but not soaked.
Once the seedlings grow a couple of sets of true leaves, they’ll be ready to transplant outdoors. By starting them indoors, you give the plants a head start, which is super helpful if you live in a cooler area.

Step 4: Transplant Outdoors
Once your seedlings are ready and the weather is warm, it’s time to move them outside. Here’s what you should do when transplanting:
- Wait until the temperature is consistently above 70°F (21°C).
- Pick a sunny spot in your garden because watermelons need full sun all day.
- Space the plants about 3 feet apart so the vines have room to grow.
- Mix manure into the soil to give the plants a good start.
- Check that the soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.8 for the best growth.

Don’t forget to water the plants right after you transplant them. This helps them settle into their new home outdoors.
Step 5: Pollination
Here’s an interesting part of growing seedless watermelons: they need a pollinator! Since they can’t produce fruit on their own, you’ll need to plant a regular watermelon nearby. Here’s what I do:
- For every two seedless watermelon plants, plant one regular (seeded) watermelon.
- Bees will do the pollinating, so avoid using harmful pesticides.
- Keep the regular watermelon plant close to the seedless ones so pollination happens easily.
Without this step, you won’t get any fruit. So, make sure to have at least one seeded watermelon around to help your seedless ones grow!
Step 6: Water and Fertilize
Watermelons love water! Here’s how I make sure they stay hydrated and well-fed:
- Water the watermelon plants deeply, especially when the flowers bloom and fruit start to grow.
- As the watermelon gets close to ripening, reduce the amount of water to make the fruit sweeter.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer. Don’t overdo it with nitrogen because too much of it will make the plants grow leaves instead of watermelon fruits.
Step 7: Monitor and Train the Vines

Seedless watermelon vines like to spread out, so you’ll need to guide them. I usually do this to keep the vines from getting tangled:
- Let the vines sprawl out, or guide them along a trellis if you’re short on space.
- Make sure they have plenty of room to grow and spread.
- Watch for pests like aphids or beetles and use natural solutions like neem oil to protect your plants.
Training the vines also helps you keep track of where your watermelons are growing so you can keep an eye on their progress.
Step 8: Harvest
After all that work, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor—literally! To know when your seedless watermelon is ready, look for these signs:
- The curly tendril closest to the watermelon turns brown and dries up.
- The underside of the watermelon (the part that touches the ground) turns yellow.
- When you tap the watermelon, it sounds hollow.
It usually takes about 80 to 85 days for the watermelons to mature. Be patient and wait for the right signs to pick your fruit at the perfect time!
What Are Common Problems When Growing Seedless Watermelons?
Seedless watermelons can face a few challenges when growing, such as lack of pollination, pests, and poor soil conditions. Keep an eye on your plants and solve these problems quickly to ensure a healthy crop of sweet, seedless watermelons.
Pollination Issues
One of the biggest challenges with seedless watermelons is getting them to produce fruit. Since seedless watermelon seeds can’t pollinate themselves, you’ll need a pollinator plant (a regular, seeded watermelon) to help. Here’s what can go wrong:
- Not planting a seeded watermelon nearby can lead to no fruit at all.
- If there aren’t enough bees around, pollination may not happen properly.
- Using pesticides can harm bees, which are crucial for pollination.
What I do:
- Plant a regular watermelon nearby (for every two seedless plants, I plant one regular watermelon).
- Encourage bees by planting flowers nearby that attract them.
- Avoid using harmful chemicals on or around your watermelon plants.
Watering Problems
Watering can be tricky when growing watermelons. Here’s what you should know:
- According to Scientia Horticulturae, overwatering can make the soil soggy and cause root rot.
- Not enough water can lead to smaller fruits and poor flavor.
What I do:
- Water deeply but less frequently, about once a week, depending on the weather.
- Reduce watering as the watermelon gets close to ripening to help concentrate its sweetness.
Pests
Pests are another common issue when growing watermelons. You might see:
- Aphids, which suck the juice from leaves.
- Cucumber beetles that chew on the leaves and vines.
- Spider mites that can weaken the plant by sucking out its nutrients.
What I do:
- I regularly check my plants for any signs of pests.
- If I see aphids, I spray the leaves with a mixture of water and a bit of dish soap.
- For beetles, I use neem oil or pick them off by hand.
- I also make sure the plants are well-spaced to keep good airflow, which helps prevent spider mites.
Soil Problems
Seedless watermelons need nutrient-rich, well-draining soil to grow strong. Poor soil conditions can lead to slow growth and weak plants. Here’s what can go wrong:
- Soil that is too compacted or drains poorly can stunt growth.
- If the soil is lacking nutrients, the watermelon plants won’t produce good fruit.
- The wrong pH level (too acidic or too alkaline) can prevent proper growth.
What I do:
- Before planting, I mix in compost or manure to improve soil health.
- I test the soil’s pH (you can buy a simple kit) and aim for a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
- If the pH is off, I either add lime (to raise pH) or pH-lowering agent (to lower pH).
Diseases
Watermelons can be affected by a few common plant diseases. Here are some to watch for:
- Fusarium wilt: This disease causes the leaves to wilt and turn yellow.
- Powdery mildew: White, powdery spots show up on the leaves.
- Anthracnose: Dark spots appear on the leaves and fruit, which can cause them to rot.
What I do:
- I plant disease-resistant varieties when possible.
- Space out the plants so they don’t get too crowded, which can prevent diseases from spreading.
- If I spot signs of disease, I remove affected leaves quickly to stop it from spreading.
- Keep the leaves dry by watering the soil directly rather than sprinkling water on top of the plants.
Lack of Sunlight
Watermelons need a lot of sun to grow. If they don’t get enough, the fruit will be small and not as sweet. Here’s what can happen:
- Plants growing in the shade will produce smaller watermelons.
- Lack of sunlight can make the leaves turn yellow or pale green.
What I do:
- I always plant my watermelons in the sunniest part of my garden.
- If you’re growing them in pots or indoors, make sure they get at least 8 hours of sunlight a day.
- Use grow lights if necessary, especially if you’re learning how to grow seedless watermelon indoors.
Fruit Cracking
Fruit cracking can be a big disappointment. This happens when the watermelon grows too quickly because of too much water all at once. It can cause:
- Large cracks in the rind, making the watermelon spoil faster.
- The fruit to be less appealing and harder to store.
What I do:
- I water my plants consistently, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering them after heavy rain.
- I make sure to reduce watering once the fruit is close to full size to prevent sudden growth spurts.
Slow Growth
If your watermelon plants are growing slowly, it could be due to a lack of nutrients or poor weather conditions. Here’s what can cause slow growth:
- Cold weather can slow down or stop growth.
- Lack of nutrients, especially phosphorus and potassium, can stunt growth.
- Waterlogged soil can suffocate the roots.
What I do:
- I always check the weather forecast before planting to make sure it’s warm enough.
- I use a balanced fertilizer (high in phosphorus and potassium) to give the plants what they need to grow fast.
- I make sure the soil drains well so the plants aren’t sitting in water.
That’s all.
Curious why other plants might be taking longer than your watermelon? Discover why lilies sometimes take a while to grow and how to help them thrive.
Conclusion
To successfully grow your seedless watermelons:
- Choose the best time to plant when the weather is warm.
- Start your seeds indoors for a strong start.
- Remember to plant a pollinator variety to ensure fruit growth.
- Keep your plants well-watered and fertilized for the best results.
- Harvest at the perfect time by checking for signs of ripeness.
Now, you can have sweet, juicy watermelons that will make your summer even better.