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You can grow Jubilee watermelon by giving it plenty of sunshine, warm soil, and consistent moisture throughout the growing season.
If you’ve been wondering how to grow Jubilee watermelon in your own backyard, the good news is that this variety is pretty forgiving as long as you meet a few basic needs.
Jubilee watermelon is a classic, large, oblong melon with bright red flesh and a sweet, refreshing flavor that makes every summer cookout better.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to grow Jubilee watermelon from seed to harvest, including the right timing, soil prep, watering schedule, and pest care.
Let’s dig in so you can enjoy your own homegrown Jubilee watermelon this season.
How to Grow Jubilee Watermelon: The Basics
Growing Jubilee watermelon starts with understanding what this plant really wants.
Jubilee watermelon thrives in long, hot summers with plenty of direct sunlight, so it’s a favorite for gardeners in warm climates.
The key steps for how to grow Jubilee watermelon successfully include choosing the right spot, planting at the right time, and keeping the vines healthy as the fruit develops.
1. Pick a Sunny Spot With Room to Spread
Jubilee watermelon vines sprawl, so give each plant about 6 to 8 feet of space in every direction.
Choose a location that gets at least 8 to 10 hours of full sun each day.
The more sun your Jubilee watermelon gets, the sweeter the fruit will be at harvest.
2. Wait for Warm Soil Before Planting
Jubilee watermelon seeds germinate best when soil temperatures stay above 70°F.
If you plant too early in cold soil, the seeds may rot before they sprout.
For most gardeners, that means planting Jubilee watermelon about two weeks after the last frost date.
3. Amend the Soil With Compost
Jubilee watermelon loves rich, well-draining soil that holds moisture without staying soggy.
Mix in plenty of compost or aged manure before planting to give the vines a strong start.
A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is ideal for growing Jubilee watermelon.
How to Grow Jubilee Watermelon From Seed to Sprout
Once your soil is ready, planting is straightforward.
Here’s how to grow Jubilee watermelon from seed with good results.
1. Start Seeds Indoors for a Head Start
In cooler climates, start Jubilee watermelon seeds indoors about 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost.
Use biodegradable pots so you can transplant without disturbing the roots.
Jubilee watermelon seedlings don’t like their roots messed with, so gentle handling matters.
2. Plant Seeds About an Inch Deep
Whether you sow indoors or directly in the garden, plant Jubilee watermelon seeds about 1 inch deep.
Space them 2 to 3 feet apart in rows that are 6 to 8 feet apart.
Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge in 7 to 10 days.
3. Thin Seedlings to the Strongest Plant
Once your Jubilee watermelon seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them to one plant per hill.
This reduces competition for water and nutrients.
A healthy Jubilee watermelon vine needs room to breathe and grow strong.
Caring for Jubilee Watermelon as It Grows
Caring for your vines well is really where the magic of how to grow Jubilee watermelon happens.
Jubilee watermelon plants are heavy feeders, so they need steady attention throughout the season.
1. Water Deeply and Regularly
Give your Jubilee watermelon about 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
Water deeply at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep the leaves dry.
Consistent moisture is crucial for how to grow Jubilee watermelon that’s sweet and juicy instead of hollow or bland.
2. Fertilize at the Right Stages
Use a balanced fertilizer early on to support leafy growth.
When flowers appear, switch to a formula lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium.
This shift helps your Jubilee watermelon focus energy on fruit production rather than just vines.
3. Watch for Common Pests and Diseases
Aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs are common pests on Jubilee watermelon.
Powdery mildew can also show up when humidity is high or air circulation is poor.
Row covers early in the season and good spacing help protect your Jubilee watermelon naturally.
Harvesting Jubilee Watermelon at the Right Time
Knowing when to pick is the final piece of how to grow Jubilee watermelon successfully.
Jubilee watermelon is ready about 80 to 95 days after planting, depending on your climate.
1. Look for a Creamy Yellow Field Spot
The spot where the melon rested on the ground should turn from white to a creamy yellow.
That’s one of the clearest signs your Jubilee watermelon is ripe.
2. Check the Tendril Nearest the Fruit
When the curly tendril closest to the stem dries up and turns brown, your Jubilee watermelon is usually ready.
The skin should also feel slightly rough and dull rather than shiny.
3. Listen for a Hollow Thump
Give the melon a gentle thump with your knuckles.
A ripe Jubilee watermelon sounds hollow and deep, while an unripe one sounds solid.
So, How to Grow Jubilee Watermelon?
You can grow Jubilee watermelon by giving it full sun, warm soil, steady water, and enough space to sprawl.
From planting to harvest, Jubilee watermelon rewards you with big, sweet fruit that tastes far better than anything from the store.
Follow these steps on how to grow Jubilee watermelon, and you’ll be slicing into your own homegrown melon before you know it.