From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Tasmania Australia

Hi, just interested to find out if there is any special or recommended way in which to start your water melon seeds of.
I know with pumpkin seeds you sand the sides witch helps with germination.
Is there anything similar or recommended way to get the water melon seeds to help germinate better?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers.

11/10/2015 12:46:29 AM

Bethlehem CT

I provide the same conditions for melons that I do with AG's. I like 85 degrees Fahrenheit for a soil temp. You can lightly sand the edges too, I usually skip that step.

11/10/2015 7:07:54 AM

Tasmania Australia

Cheers, i will get the soil temp up a bit more and maybe just a light sand.

11/11/2015 12:19:14 AM

The North Coast

A lighter potting mix is good. This lighter mix can absorb way too much water. The soil is too moist if you can squeeze out more than just a couple drops. Can't be too wet. I used to file the edges but not any more. I suppose if I had only one great seed I may file it. After soaking the seeds for about a hour to soften the shell, I push the tip into the pre-moistened soil so I can still see the top of the seed. Then cover with plastic wrap to keep the moisture in. This method can leave a lot of seed shells stuck on the sprout. The shell comes off easiest if it is wet. Also have good luck with the tip up and the seed down in about a cm. Much less stuck seed shells this way. I use an inexpensive egg incubator to keep the temperature right at 93 degrees. Until I got the incubator I used to have issues with germination but now it is easy. Good luck.

11/11/2015 8:20:23 AM

sevierville, Tn

i sand mine since it helps with the seed coat removal. I plant the same way as BatCaveN8 (I push the tip into the pre-moistened soil so I can still see the top of the seed) which results in most emerging with the seed coats attached. 93 is a good temp as they germinate faster.

11/11/2015 8:01:48 PM

Tasmania Australia

Cheers, never thought of soaking the watermelon seed, i am guessing you soak it in some light seaweed solution for the hour as you do the pumpkin seeds.
So you are saying push it in the seed raising mix, (pointy end first) and just leave the very top of the seed exposed?

11/11/2015 11:48:43 PM

The North Coast

Yes. Easy to see when it gets going and very little resistance coming out of the soil.

11/12/2015 6:14:23 AM

Tasmania Australia

Cheers, will give this method a try and see how it works out for me.
Appreciated.

11/12/2015 11:43:52 PM

sevierville, Tn

yes, the top edge of the seed is even with the soil mix.

11/13/2015 6:27:46 AM

Eastern Shore of VA

I germinate mine the same way,at 91-93* they are usually up in 48 hours or so,but once I see movement in the seed they go under lights.
I've got some pictures in my diary that might help you.

11/14/2015 5:08:44 PM

Tasmania Australia

Cheers, some good information and help here.
Hopefully they will be up in a few days time.
Appreciated.

11/15/2015 3:25:56 PM

sevierville, Tn

p.s. never be skimpy on the number of seeds started. If you have problems, that can put you a week or 2 down if you didn't start enough. Give the extras away to a new grower !

11/15/2015 8:30:38 PM