How to Grow Watermelon in New Zealand
Needs lots of space and heat, so in Auckland sow from October into the warmest sunniest spot and choose early varieties like Sugar Baby for a reliable crop. Ripe when the fruit sounds hollow and the tendril nearest the fruit has dried. Mulch heavily and keep warm.
When to plant watermelon in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | October, November |
| Auckland | October, November |
| Waikato & BoP | October, November |
| Wellington | November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | November, December |
| Canterbury | November, December |
| Otago & Southland | December |
| Central Otago | December |
Best watermelon varieties for NZ
- Sugar Baby — Small round dark-skinned fruit with sweet pink-red flesh, early to ripen. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Crimson Sweet — Larger striped fruit with crisp sweet red flesh, classic flavour. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Dulce F1 — Sugar Baby type hybrid with very sweet deep-red crunchy flesh. (Kings Seeds)
How to grow watermelon
- Space plants about 150cm apart.
- Sow seed around 2cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 90 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 8 days.
Companion planting
Grow watermelon near: Corn, Nasturtium.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Aphids, Powdery mildew. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Watermelon plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant watermelon in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in October, November. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy watermelon seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.