How to Grow Citron Melons

Select a planting site in full sun. The citron melon does not tolerate shade. The plant prefers loose, sandy soil with good drainage. Citron melon plants have sprawling vines that require a large amount of space to produce full-sized melons.

Build mounds of soil 1 foot in diameter and several inches in height to ensure good drainage for the citron melons. Space the hills 8 feet apart.

Plant the citron melon seeds in the spring when the soil temperature remains between 70 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seeds 1/2 inch below the soil with about 7 seeds in each hill. The seeds should germinate within 10 days.

Water the citron melon plants with at least 1 inch of water per week during the growing season. These plants are extremely drought-tolerant, but they produce larger melons with frequent watering. Thin the plants as they grow to remove all but three or four from each hill.

Harvest the citron melons when they reach their full size, usually in 90 to 100 days. Wait until the stem of the melon dies before you pick the melon. Reseed the citron melons each year if the climate in your area is too cold for the plants to reseed themselves.