Watermelon

Basic Information

Seed Number

86

Seed Name

Watermelon

Variety

Banana

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Cucurbitaceae

Plant Type

Muskmelon (Cucumis melo)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 14

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 15

Plantable Months

April, May, June

Indoor Start

Apr 14 – Apr 28

Direct Sow

May 19 – Jun 15

Transplant

May 19 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

3 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

2 weeks

Germination Days

4–14 days

Harvest/Maturity

80–100 days

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

70-90°F

Planting Depth

1/2-3/4 in

Plant Spacing

24-36 in

Row Spacing

5-6 ft

Thin-To Spacing

24-36 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

1-2 in/week during vine growth and fruit set; keep evenly moist but reduce excess irrigation as fruits ripen

Soil Preference

Warm, fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; approximately pH 6.0-6.8

Minimum Container Size

10+ gal; best in ground

Plant Height

Trailing vine

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

No

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow after soil warms or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 25 – Jun 20
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 75–100 days
Container Friendly: Possible, 10+ gal; best in ground
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary
Succession / Reusable Notes: Choose short-season varieties in Zone 6B. Later sowing is risky.
Zone 6B Notes: Needs heat, space, and consistent watering.
Companion Plants: Corn, sunflowers, nasturtiums, marigolds, radish, herbs nearby for pollinators
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Potatoes, crowded beds
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Banana melon needs a long warm season. Starting indoors about 3 weeks before planting out is useful in Southeast Michigan. Transplant only after frost danger has passed and nights remain warm.
Germination: Warm soil is essential. Do not leave seedlings confined in pots for more than about 3 weeks because melon roots dislike becoming root-bound.
Harvest: Harvest when the fruit develops its mature yellow coloration, strong fragrance and other slip-stage indicators. Banana melons can become very large.
Seed Saving: Banana melon is open-pollinated and crosses with other Cucumis melo varieties. Isolate or hand-pollinate and bag flowers if saving true-to-type seed.
Special Care: Provide generous vine space. Avoid root disturbance when transplanting.
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/melon-banana — 4-14 day germination, 80-100 day maturity, 70-90°F soil temperature, sowing depth, spacing and full-sun requirement
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/blog/post/how-to-grow-melons — indoor-start guidance, root-disturbance caution and general melon culture
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]