Water melon is propagated through seeds. The recommended seed rate is 300-400 gram/acre. The best season for planting is December to April.

The land is prepared well by thorough ploughing or digging. Pits of 60 cm diameter and 30-45 cm depth are taken at 3 m x 2 m spacing.

Lime or dolomite @ 1-3 kg/cent has to be applied depending on soil acidity. This should be followed by organic manure @ 90 kg/cent along with top soil.

The planting is done in raised beds during rainy season and in furrows during summer season. Seeds are sown @ four or five per pit at 1-2 cm depth. Deeper sowing delays germination.

The seeds will germinate in about 4-5 days. Remove unhealthy plants after two weeks and retain two or three plants

Apply recommended basal dose of fertilizers at the time of planting. A time lag of ten days should be given between application of lime and fertilizers.