Minecraft wiki entry for Pumpkin_and_melon_farming, associated text: Melons and pumpkins use essentially the same mechanics for growth and can be easily farmed with the same techniques. Once the plants are mature, they provide a steady supply of fruit for your needs. Surprisingly, water is not needed to grow pumpkins or melons. When planted, they create a stalk that starts out short, but grows and becomes yellow as it matures. Only mature stalks can grow pumpkins and melons.