Growing Watermelons in Containers: Tips for Small Gardens

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Can You Really Grow Watermelons in a Container? Absolutely—With the Right Variety and Setup.

As a lifelong gardener who has experimented with watermelon varieties across zones and garden styles, I’ve found that container gardening isn’t just for herbs and tomatoes—it’s possible to grow melons, too. While watermelons are known for their sprawling vines and heavy fruit, compact and bush varieties make container growing not only possible, but surprisingly productive.

If you’re short on garden space, or gardening on a balcony, deck, or patio, here’s how you can successfully grow watermelons in containers.

Choose the Right Watermelon Variety

Standard watermelon varieties can stretch 10 to 20 feet and produce large fruits weighing 20 pounds or more. These are not suitable for containers. Instead, look for:

  • Bush or compact varieties like ‘Sugar Baby Bush’, ‘Mini Love’, or ‘Bush Charleston Gray’
  • Personal-size melons (typically 5–10 pounds) that mature in 70–80 days
  • Varieties labeled “dwarf,” “mini,” or “container-friendly”

These types are bred specifically for small-space and container growing.

Select the Right Container

To grow one watermelon plant, use a container that is:

  • At least 18 inches (45 cm) deep and wide
  • Holds 5–10 gallons (19–38 liters) of soil
  • Made of non-porous material (plastic or glazed ceramic) to retain moisture

Make sure the container has good drainage holes. You can place a saucer underneath to catch excess water but avoid letting roots sit in standing water.

Soil and Fertility

Use a commercial potting mix rich in compost—avoid garden soil, which is too heavy and poorly draining in pots. For optimal results:

  • Mix in aged compost, worm castings, and a slow-release organic fertilizer at planting
  • Use a potting mix formulated for vegetables or melons
  • Maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8

Watermelons are heavy feeders. Feed every 2–3 weeks with a diluted liquid seaweed or fish emulsion once vines begin to run.

Starting Watermelons Indoors

In short-season regions, I recommend starting watermelon seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost date:

  • Use biodegradable pots to avoid root disturbance during transplanting
  • Provide bottom heat (70–75°F / 21–24°C) to aid germination
  • Harden off seedlings before moving them outdoors

Handle young vines carefully; they are prone to snapping if bent.

Container Care Tips

  • Full sun: Watermelons need at least 8 hours of sun daily
  • Consistent watering: Keep the soil evenly moist—never soggy or dry. Mulching the top of the container with straw or shredded bark helps retain moisture.
  • Trellising (optional): Some mini-melons can be trellised vertically with vine support and slings for developing fruit
  • Pollination: If you don’t see bees, hand-pollinate using a small paintbrush to transfer pollen between male and female flowers

Best Watermelon Varieties for Containers

1. ‘Sugar Baby Bush’

  • Size: 6–12 lbs
  • Days to Maturity: ~75 days
  • Notes: A compact version of the classic ‘Sugar Baby’; vines stay under 3 feet. Sweet, deep red flesh and thin rind.

2. ‘Bush Charleston Gray’

  • Size: 10–13 lbs
  • Days to Maturity: ~85 days
  • Notes: Disease-resistant and very productive. Oblong fruit with crisp, bright red flesh. Great for larger containers.

3. ‘Mini Love’

  • Size: 4–6 lbs
  • Days to Maturity: ~70 days
  • Notes: Early maturing and very sweet. Vines are compact and well-suited for container trellising.

4. ‘Golden Midget’

  • Size: 3–5 lbs
  • Days to Maturity: ~70 days
  • Notes: Unique yellow rind when ripe makes it easy to tell when to harvest. Small fruit, ideal for containers.

5. ‘Faerie’

  • Size: 4–6 lbs
  • Days to Maturity: ~75 days
  • Notes: Pale yellow rind and deep pink flesh. Short vines make it great for pots and small garden beds.

6. ‘Little Baby Flower’

  • Size: 7–10 lbs
  • Days to Maturity: ~75 days
  • Notes: AAS winner with compact vines and excellent flavor. Well-suited for container trellising with support.

7. ‘Tigris’ (also sold as ‘Tiger Baby’)

  • Size: 6–8 lbs
  • Days to Maturity: ~75–80 days
  • Notes: Round fruit with striped rind and sweet, crisp flesh. Moderate vine growth for containers with some training.

What I’ve Learned

In my experience, growing melons in containers is most rewarding when you give the plant consistent attention. Watch the leaves for signs of stress, fertilize regularly, and pick your melons at peak ripeness. With a little care, your patio or balcony can produce a sweet harvest by midsummer.

Watermelons Overview Post:

How to Grow Watermelons from Seed to Harvest: Ultimate Guide for Sweet, Juicy Success

Melons Overview: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Melons: From Planting to Harvest

Related Posts:

Starting Watermelons Right

Planting & Space Planning

Watermelon Care Through the Season

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Knowing When to Harvest

Choosing the Right Varieties

Enjoying the Harvest

Written by Stephen Albert

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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