perry:

Watermelon seed is not slow to germinate in moist soil with the proper temperature of about 70 degrees. I have seen melons come flying out of the ground in 3 days. If you don't have adequate temperature soaking won't help. In your climate I would probably start watermelon seeds in a warm spot indoors, or on a heat mat. Then transplant out when the temps warm up or use jiffy pots and plant the whole thing.

Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

I live just four miles north of the Maine border so I don't get consistent results' but I start my watermelons in 4" peat pots as the cucurbit family does't like its roots disturbed, I then place them in a mini green house, place them in the oven, turn the oven light on, I then place a thermometer in the oven and prop the door open so the temperature is 80F the melons pop in just 3 or 4 days. I use this system for tomatoes and peppers also or other heat loving plants. Larry

I soak all my watermelon seeds haven't had one not germinate yet. What I do is cut a paper towel in to 4 pieces so it will fit in a tupperware, get them wet like a moist spong(hardly any dripping)2 on bottom, put the seeds in, and put the other 2 on top. Put cling wrap over, seal with rubberband and put on top of the fridge where it's nice and warm. Usually see a sprout in less than 2 days some stubborn ones 5 days.