The best days for sowing watermelon seedlings in 2025 according to the lunar calendar for different regions

Watermelon is one of the most popular summer foods. It's a great thirst quencher and perfect for a variety of desserts or holiday table decorations. Despite its sweet taste, it's a safe addition even for those on a diet and following a healthy diet. However, growing it in central Russia is quite challenging. Strict adherence to planting dates and all the necessary conditions are essential for successful cultivation.

Selecting a variety

To achieve a high yield, it's advisable to plant watermelon seedlings in 2025 according to the lunar calendar. Choosing the right variety is also crucial. The following varieties thrive in the southern regions of Russia:

• • Melania F1;

• • Chill;

• • Spring.

Watermelons of these varieties are quite large, often weighing up to 6 kg. They are also distinguished by their juiciness and sweetness. The following varieties are recommended for cultivation in the central and colder regions of the country:

• • Crimson sweater;

• • Skorik;

• • Launch;

• • Sweet baby;

• • Light.

These varieties are known for their rapid growth—in just three months. Therefore, if the summer weather is favorable, there's a good chance of a large, sweet harvest by fall.

The benefits of growing plants from seedlings

In southern regions, seeds can be planted directly in open ground. Watermelons can be planted in May when nighttime temperatures exceed 12°C: the berries will ripen by mid-August. If May weather is cold, it's best to use seedlings. The main advantages of this planting method include:

• increased resistance to temperature changes and various diseases;
• acceleration of the ripening process;
• achieving a rich aroma;
• improving the quality of the harvest - the pulp of the fruit becomes soft and sweet.

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Experienced gardeners claim that in a cool summer, watermelons grown from seedlings will continue to grow and ripen. However, this cannot be said for plants whose seeds were sown directly into the ground.

Days suitable for lunar phases

It is recommended to select favorable days for planting watermelons according to the lunar calendar. For spring 2025, it is advisable to sow seeds for seedlings on the following dates:

Each of these periods represents a phase of the waxing moon. This indicates that the celestial body is accumulating the earth's energy and the vitality of plants. This period is favorable for all plants whose fruits grow above ground.

Impact of the region on the timing

It's important to consider not only the lunar calendar's planting dates but also the location where the plant will grow. If you plant it outdoors too early, it may die from the cold. At the same time, if you delay planting, the berries won't have time to ripen to the desired size and won't be plump enough.

Landing in the Moscow region

Sowing Watermelon seedlings in the Moscow region are recommended to be planted in mid-April. For transplanting into open ground, the plants should be 34-36 days old. The approximate time for planting them in their permanent location for further growth is the end of May.

Growing in Siberia

Summer arrives later in northern Russia than in central Russia or the south. Therefore, watermelons should not be planted until May. Transplanting seedlings into open ground or a greenhouse is permitted between June 1 and 15. Transplanting earlier is only possible if the plants will be kept under a thick covering.

Deadlines for the Central part of the country

In all regions, the ideal time for planting watermelons outdoors is when the soil temperature reaches approximately 14°C. Therefore, in central Russia, seedlings should not be transplanted to the garden plot before June 25. Therefore, seeds should be sown in late April.

When should you not plant watermelons?

Unfavorable days according to the calendar for planting watermelons include:

Planting watermelons at this time is incorrect. There's a high chance the seeds won't germinate. Even if this happens, the berries will likely remain small, and their flesh will be tough and tasteless.

Characteristics of cultivation of this crop

The basic recommendations for growing watermelon involve taking into account three key factors: soil selection, seed preparation, and subsequent care.

Recommendations for choosing soil

Choosing the right watermelon variety is a crucial step to achieving a good harvest. The type of soil in which the crop will grow is crucial: fertile soil will produce berries of the desired size and flavor. The soil must meet several key requirements:

• • it is important that it is light and airy;

• • It’s good if it’s additionally enriched with compost;

• • For cultivation in open ground, beds where onions, tomatoes, rye or wheat were previously grown are ideal.

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It's important to select a suitable planting site that's well-lit and protected from winds. In unfavorable conditions, the fruit will not develop properly and will crack and rot.

To sow seeds for seedlings, it is recommended to purchase specialized soil suitable for the given plant species and distribute it among containers. Before planting outdoors, carefully prepare the soil:

1. 1. Dig up the soil and add rotted manure.

1. 1. Improve with mineral fertilizers - saltpeter, superphosphate and potassium.

1. 1. If the soil is acidic (pH below 6), additionally enrich it with iron, manganese and aluminum.

Avoid overfertilizing watermelons. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of the harvest—the plants will begin to develop excessive greenery, while the melons themselves will remain small. Furthermore, nitrates will accumulate in the pulp, negatively affecting its flavor.

Seed preparation

Before planting, seed preparation is essential. This involves several key steps:

1. Disinfection. This is necessary to prevent garden diseases. Soak the planting material in a 0.5-1% potassium permanganate solution for 30 minutes.
2. Warming. After soaking, place the seeds on a napkin to dry, then place them in water heated to 45 degrees Celsius.
3. Scarification. To speed up the emergence of the first shoots, it is recommended to pierce the seed coat 2-3 weeks before sowing.
4. Nutrition. To stimulate growth, improve the nutritional value of the seeds by soaking them in a solution of manganese, boron, and molybdenum for 16 hours.
5. Germination. The final stage of preparation, necessary for accelerating germination. The seeds should be wrapped in a damp cloth.

Proper seed preparation will allow you to grow strong and healthy seedlings, which will subsequently delight you with a bountiful harvest of sweet and ripe watermelons.

Unique aspects of care

Caring for seedlings is similar to caring for other plants. This includes moderate watering and placing the plant containers in a warm, bright location. Direct sunlight is not recommended.

It's recommended to transplant seedlings in cloudy, calm weather, after preparing the holes in the bed and thoroughly moistening the soil with room-temperature water. The distance between seedlings should be at least 70 cm.

There's a common misconception that watermelons only thrive in the south, and that they're impossible to grow in central or northern Russia. However, many gardeners say this is incorrect. By choosing the right variety, following planting timing, and following proper care, you can reap a bountiful harvest of sweet fruit, regardless of your garden's location.