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Lodi, California

I just cant seem to germinate watermelon seeds. Any advice would be preferred. Thanks.

4/20/2015 5:47:42 PM

Lexington, Ky

How wet/dry is your starting media? What type of germination (heat) set up do you have? What is the source of the seeds you're trying to germinate?

4/20/2015 5:58:40 PM

Bethlehem CT

In my experience watermelon seeds do not germinate with the high percentages you get with Atlantic Giant's. If you can germinate Atlantic giants, I would apply the same techniques with melons. Excessive moisture is definitely a major culprit in germination troubles. (this year I added lots of perlite to the pro-mix to help with aeration.) Many melon growers germinate their seeds at temps as high as 95-98 degrees. I have had better success with 85-90 degrees, I believe each situation is unique as to the potting soil ,heat source and pots that you choose to use. Like I said before if you can germinate Atlantic giant's you can germinate melons.
Their is great variation in individual melons. Some melons produce seeds that germinate in very high numbers others do very poorly. You may have just gotten seeds that germinate in low percentages.

4/20/2015 7:00:16 PM

Corryton, TN

I don't know which method your using but go with the paper towel. Soak seeds for 30 min to an hour. Wet the paper towel and squeeze as hard as you can with one hand getting every excess drop out. Put it in a ziplock and place it in tour germination chamber at the temp range big moon says. I do put my seeds on top of the paper towel inside the ziplock instead of between folded layers. Cover the whole baggie with a towel to stabilize the temp if it might fluctuate. It also makes peeking a lot easier.

Start more than one or two seeds of each melon if you were given them. Next years hot melon will most likely be a different one and all sibling seeds are not created equal.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=234570
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=193856

4/21/2015 4:32:12 AM

Lodi, California

Thanks.
I am using the paper towel method. I did try to squeeze all excess moisture out of the medium, but I think that my moisture levels were too high. I am growing high quality seed. Thanks.

4/21/2015 8:29:46 AM

Home of happy lil plants

i cant do anything but under a shop light in promix tiny bit of moisture and cover top with saran wrap until the seed is poking saran wrap.

any other method i will kill every single seed i swear

4/21/2015 11:50:41 AM

Prairie Du Sac Wi

My first batch I started in peat pots that were covered just like i do with my pumpkins and the moisture must have been to high. They didn't grow. So I started over with the same seeds and pots but didn't cover,I even let the tops dry a bit before watering. They ALL sprouted ! They do seem to like a lot of air. Good luck with yours!

4/21/2015 2:07:24 PM

NE Arkansas

I'm new to it but I use the moisture control m-gro in peat pots after a 4 hour soak in water... wet the soil and put it in a dome on a heat mat and 3 days later they are up... then under the light at 85 degrees in my grow box and I've only had 1 seed not germinate

4/21/2015 11:44:02 PM

Muddy Waters

How long do you soak them? I have found I wasnt soaking seeds long enough.I usally get 19 out 20 on melons to germ.Soak them for 3 hours.They maybe to dry.Not the soil but the seed to dry.Then cover the pots so the moisture stays in soil media.Dont dump cold water on them.I use a spray bottle & spray the water on the tops.Keep them from drying out without being soaked.

4/22/2015 7:09:21 AM