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How long does a watermelon take to grow?
A watermelon takes about 70 to 100 days to grow from seed to harvest, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Some smaller varieties can be ready in as little as 65 days.
Larger varieties, like the classic Charleston Gray, can take up to 120 days in cooler climates.
If you’ve ever wondered how long a watermelon takes to grow, the answer really depends on what type you’re planting and where you’re growing it.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long watermelons take to grow, the stages you can expect, and what you can do to speed things up.
Let’s dig in.
How Long Watermelons Take to Grow (By Variety)
Watermelons take different amounts of time to grow depending on the variety you choose.
Here are some common types and how long they take from seed to ripe fruit:
1. Small “Icebox” Varieties
Icebox watermelons are the quickest to mature, taking about 65 to 75 days.
These are the smaller, round melons that fit easily in your fridge, which is where the name comes from.
If you’re short on time or live in a cooler climate with a short growing season, these are your best bet.
They still take time to grow, but they’ll get you to harvest faster than the big guys.
2. Standard Varieties
Standard watermelons like Crimson Sweet or Jubilee take around 80 to 95 days to grow.
These are the mid-size to large melons you see at most grocery stores and farmers markets.
They need a solid stretch of warm weather, so plan your planting accordingly.
On average, you’re looking at roughly three months from the day you plant the seeds to the day you slice into that first melon.
3. Giant Varieties
Giant watermelons, like the ones that win county fair contests, take 100 days or more to grow.
Some heirloom varieties can even push past 120 days.
These melons need a long, hot growing season to reach their full size.
If you’re growing one of these, be patient.
What Affects How Long Watermelons Take to Grow
Several factors can change how long your watermelons take to grow.
Let’s look at the big ones:
1. Temperature and Climate
Watermelons love heat and they grow fastest when temperatures stay between 70°F and 90°F.
If it’s cooler than that, growth slows down and your watermelons take longer to grow.
That’s why gardeners in northern states often choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors.
2. Sunlight
Watermelons need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day.
More sun means faster growth and sweeter fruit.
If your garden is shady, your watermelons will take longer to grow and may not ripen fully.
3. Water and Soil
Watermelons need consistent moisture, especially while the fruit is swelling.
Sandy loam soil that drains well is ideal.
If the soil is too heavy or stays waterlogged, the roots suffer and growth slows.
Proper watering and good soil can shave days off how long watermelons take to grow.
4. Planting Method
Starting seeds indoors or using transplants can give you a head start.
Transplants can cut about two weeks off the total time it takes for watermelons to grow.
Direct sowing works fine too, but you’ll wait a bit longer for that first harvest.
Growth Stages: What Happens Along the Way
Understanding the stages can help you track how long your watermelons take to grow at each point.
Here’s what to expect:
1. Germination (5–10 Days)
Seeds sprout within a week to ten days if the soil is warm enough.
2. Vine Growth (3–4 Weeks)
Vines spread out and leaves develop.
3. Flowering (4–6 Weeks)
Flowers appear, and bees pollinate them to start fruit formation.
4. Fruit Development (4–6 Weeks)
The melons swell and ripen.
This is the final stretch of how long watermelons take to grow.
How to Speed Up How Long Watermelons Take to Grow
You can’t rush nature, but you can help things along.
Start seeds indoors three to four weeks before your last frost date.
Use black plastic mulch to warm the soil.
Water deeply and consistently.
And choose a fast-maturing variety if your season is short.
These small moves can shave a week or more off how long your watermelons take to grow.
So, How Long Does a Watermelon Take to Grow?
A watermelon takes about 70 to 100 days to grow, depending on the variety and conditions.
Small icebox types finish in as little as 65 days.
Standard varieties take around 80 to 95 days.
Giant types can take 100 days or more.
Temperature, sunlight, water, and how you plant all play a role in how long watermelons take to grow.
Give them heat, sun, and steady moisture, and you’ll be rewarded with sweet, juicy fruit before you know it.
Now get out there and plant some seeds.