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Kansas

What is the best way to germinate a watermelon seed, I have good seeds but I can't get any to grow. I have tried a wet paper towel in a zip lock bag on a heat mat, and tried just putting them in peat pots tring to kept it moist and they seem to be rotting. What I'm I doing wrong?

3/27/2012 12:23:36 PM

Muddy Waters

Moisten soil just enough to squeeze a drip out when compressed by hand.Most of the time soil is to wet.Just moisten, then cover so you dont have evaporation occur. Temp should be 85 to 95 degrees.If using a bag Do not lay bag directly on matt lay a towel or pc of drywall(cardboard) on matt.There could be a hot spot need something for a buffer.Try not to dump water on pots, if drying out,& you need to add water have water same temp as heat box.You will shock them if you dump cold water on them.I typically dont add water they should be up in 3 days or less if not add water & cover again I use a spray bottle to keep pots moisten not soaked.I hope this helps Any Questions E-Mail Me.Markclementz@comcast.net please leave a subject.

3/27/2012 12:53:49 PM

Linden, Mi.,

Yes I have to agree, sounds like your soil is to wet, do as Handy suggested.

3/27/2012 1:23:12 PM

formerly RGG

90 to 100 degrees is closer to what I use. Are you using a thermometer ? if not, how do you know how hot your seeds are getting. A fairly high temperature and moderate moisture are definitely the key. Incubators are definitely nice for controlling your temps.

3/27/2012 7:13:29 PM

Rochester, MN

I was 9/11 with using 95 degrees....and my cooler turned germination chamber...using wet napkins and zip lock bags....heat is the key for watermelon seeds. Good Luck.

3/27/2012 9:22:10 PM

Muddy Waters

85 is on the cool side,but should work it will take a day or two longer & if there to wet will rot with the lower temp.Hot is better then cooler looks like from the results here.

3/27/2012 9:40:47 PM

Hamilton Nj

does anyone file them lightly???

3/27/2012 10:02:39 PM

Rochester, MN

I do not file the watermelon seeds...just the pumpkin...watermelon don't have the hard shell and thickness the pumpkins have.

3/27/2012 11:31:18 PM

formerly RGG

I don't think there is much need for filing them Pete.

3/28/2012 8:01:21 AM

SW Ohio

I lightly file mine and soak for about 3 or 4 hours

3/28/2012 3:31:21 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Best soil temp thermometer, I found is at auto supply store...look for A/C thermometer...approx $9.95 & reads from zero to 220!!! Short thin probe, w/ correct readings within 5 minutes!!! Peace, Wayne

3/28/2012 9:16:10 PM

El Paso TX.

I soak for about 3 hours in warm water (about 85 degrees) and then place in very slightly damp starting soil (the seeds will soak in enough water to germinate during the 3 hour soak so that very little moisture is needed in the soil) - then place in a 90 Degree germ chamber (Blue Sterlite container with an old electric blanket (has to be an old one so that it does not have a 6 hour shut off timer) folded up in the bottom and an old Dryer shelf for drying shoes placed above it.

Did this with 4 Densuke melon seeds from the veggie exchange a few days ago and all 4 had broken soil in about 2 1\2 days along with 12 of 12 field pumpkin seeds, 1 Pear gourd and 1 Shark fin melon ( had 100% germination in 4 days - first seeds were up in about 36 hours and the Shark fin melon was the last at 4 days)

3/28/2012 11:58:54 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Kul beans JD, how soon do you think, b/4 the GPC, accepts shark fin's as a new category? LOL Peace, Wayne
PS...just kiddin, of course!!!

3/29/2012 10:55:14 PM

El Paso TX.

LOL -- PW - don't think it'll be anytime soon - Have never tried them before so should be interesting to see how it goes - they do look interesting though.

3/30/2012 6:48:14 PM

formerly RGG

The sharkskin melon is cucurbita ficifolia which is one of the rootstocks I have growing my grafted plants.

3/30/2012 8:05:00 PM

Ottawa, Ohio

I just dampened the soil and then microwaved it.... I waited until the temp was below 100 and planted my seeds. Not soaked or filed. I then covered and placed on a cheap heat mat with a plastic cover. Both germinated in 3 days. 260.5 and a 291. Now I need to get my cold frame ready.....(Just Miricle Grow mix..... I just got my promix with mycor today.

3/31/2012 9:56:09 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

JAB, sounds like a sweet start to Slunger melons in OHIO!!! Sorry OSU did not get a chance to get beat by UK!!!Peace, Wayne LOL

3/31/2012 11:32:02 PM

Ottawa, Ohio

Yea... Bummer

3/31/2012 11:36:59 PM

Muddy Waters

Thats great!Some of the first 260.5s to germ.Just be careful with any ferts on melon seedlings there tender.The miracle grow has those time release balls in the mix.I dont like to use then on melons,I had a problem 1 year,I think the soil was to hot(ferts) for them.I never used the miracle grow mix again after that.It might of been something else,but not taking any chances.

4/1/2012 7:53:18 AM

Ottawa, Ohio

I've used several different mixes but have never had any problems. One year I started several hundred melon plants with Miracle grow. Most were seedless which tend to be more sensitive. I got some PRO Mix that I can use for the rest.

4/2/2012 10:59:21 PM