Watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) are a beloved summer fruit that can be successfully cultivated in many parts of the United States. This guide provides essential information for both commercial farmers and home gardeners on growing watermelons, covering key aspects such as:
- Selecting appropriate watermelon varieties for planting watermelon plants
- Soil preparation and planting watermelons techniques
- Understanding the watermelon growing season and when to grow watermelon
- Proper care and maintenance throughout the watermelon plant growing cycle
- Pest and disease management for healthy watermelon foliage
- Harvesting and storage methods
Whether you’re planning a large-scale watermelon farm or aiming to grow watermelon in your backyard, this article offers practical advice to help you achieve a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy watermelons. Learn how to plant and grow watermelon successfully, from growing a watermelon from seed to enjoying the fruits of your labor.
Choosing the Right Watermelon Variety
When planting watermelons, selecting the right variety is crucial. Consider your climate, available space, and intended use. Here are some popular varieties for American growers:
| Variety | Size | Days to Maturity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Baby | 6-12 lbs | 75-80 days | Home gardens, Northern states |
| Crimson Sweet | 15-25 lbs | 80-85 days | Commercial farming, Southern states |
| Charleston Gray | 30-40 lbs | 85-90 days | Large-scale production |
| Yellow Doll | 5-7 lbs | 70-75 days | Novelty markets, short seasons |
| Jubilee | 25-35 lbs | 90-100 days | Commercial production, Southern climates |
| Moon and Stars | 20-30 lbs | 95-100 days | Heirloom enthusiasts, unique appearance |
| Sweet Beauty | 6-8 lbs | 75-80 days | Small gardens, container growing |
| All Sweet | 20-25 lbs | 90-95 days | Disease resistance, long-distance shipping |
| Black Diamond | 30-50 lbs | 90-95 days | Large fruit production, Southern states |
| Golden Midget | 3-4 lbs | 70-75 days | Short seasons, Northern climates |
When growing watermelons, consider factors such as watermelon plant season, space requirements, and your local climate. Early-maturing varieties like ‘Sugar Baby’ and ‘Golden Midget’ are ideal for regions with shorter watermelon growing seasons, while larger varieties like ‘Charleston Gray’ and ‘Jubilee’ are better suited for areas with long, hot summers
Planting and Growing Watermelons
The watermelon growing season typically begins in spring, after the last frost date. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure successful cultivation:
- Planting watermelon plants: select a sunny location with well-draining soil. Watermelons thrive in full sun exposure, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Watermelon when to plant: sow seeds directly or transplant seedlings when soil temperature consistently reaches 70°F. In cooler regions, start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date.
- Spacing: plant seeds or seedlings 3-5 feet apart in rows 6-8 feet apart. This spacing allows ample room for vine growth and fruit development.
- How much water does a watermelon need: provide 1-2 inches of water per week. Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during fruit set and development.
- Fertilize: apply a balanced fertilizer when vines begin to run. Use a fertilizer with a ratio like 5-5-5, applying it every six weeks or as directed on the product label.
Tips for growing watermelons:
- Use black plastic mulch to warm soil and conserve moisture. This can be particularly beneficial in cooler climates or for early-season planting.
- Install bee-friendly plants nearby to encourage pollination. Watermelons rely on pollinators for fruit set.
- Prune vines to focus energy on fruit production. While not strictly necessary, removing lateral vines can improve productivity.
- Support developing fruit with straw or cardboard to prevent rot.
Watermelon plant growing requires attention to soil quality, temperature, and moisture levels. Ensure the soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.5 for optimal nutrient uptake. In areas with short growing seasons, consider using row covers or starting seeds indoors to extend the growing period.
Harvesting and Storage
How long does it take to grow watermelons? Typically, the watermelon growing season lasts 70-100 days from planting watermelons to harvest, depending on the variety and growing conditions. As the melons near maturity, it’s crucial to monitor them closely for signs of ripeness.
Signs that indicate a watermelon is ready for harvest include:
- Yellowing of the spot where the watermelon touches the ground
- The tendril nearest to the fruit becomes dry and brown
- The watermelon produces a dull, hollow sound when tapped
- The rind becomes dull rather than shiny
- The bottom of the watermelon turns from white to a creamy yellow
When harvesting, use a sharp knife to cut the stem close to the fruit, leaving about an inch of stem attached. This helps prevent rot and extends storage life.
Watermelon storage is relatively straightforward. After harvest, store watermelons in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. The ideal storage temperature is around 50-60°F (10-15°C). Avoid storing watermelons near ethylene-producing fruits like apples or bananas, as this can accelerate ripening and potentially affect flavor.
For watermelon farm operations, proper post-harvest handling is crucial. Watermelons should be carefully sorted and graded before storage or shipping. Commercial growers often use refrigerated storage facilities to extend the shelf life of their crop.
Remember, unlike some fruits, watermelons do not continue to ripen after being picked. This makes timing the harvest correctly all the more important for both home gardeners and commercial watermelon agriculture operations.
By understanding the signs of ripeness and proper storage techniques, you can ensure that your homegrown watermelons maintain their peak flavor and texture from the vine to the table.
Common Pests and Solutions for Watermelon Plants
Watermelon plant growing can be challenging due to various pests. Here’s a guide to identifying and managing common watermelon pests:
| Pest | Identification | Damage | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Tiny, pear-shaped insects in clusters | Stunted growth, leaf curling | • Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil • Introduce ladybugs as natural predators • Use reflective mulches to deter aphids |
| Cucumber beetles | Yellow-green beetles with black stripes or spots | Leaf damage, spread of bacterial wilt | • Install row covers until flowering • Use yellow sticky traps • Apply kaolin clay as a repellent |
| Squash vine borers | White larvae with brown heads | Wilting vines, holes in stems | • Monitor for eggs and remove by hand • Inject Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) into stems • Cover vine bases with soil to encourage secondary root growth |
| Spider mites | Tiny spider-like creatures, visible webbing | Yellowing leaves, reduced vigor | • Spray plants with a strong jet of water • Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap • Maintain high humidity around plants |
| Whiteflies | Tiny white flying insects | Yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew | • Use yellow sticky traps • Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil • Introduce parasitic wasps as natural predators |
When growing watermelons, it’s crucial to regularly inspect your plants for signs of pest infestation. Early detection and intervention are key to successful pest management. Implement these strategies as part of your watermelon plant care routine:
- Practice crop rotation to disrupt pest life cycles.
- Maintain healthy plants through proper watering and fertilization, as stressed plants are more susceptible to pests.
- Encourage beneficial insects by planting flowers nearby.
- Use organic pest control methods whenever possible to protect pollinators and beneficial insects.
An integrated approach to pest management is the most effective in watermelon farming. By combining cultural, biological, and chemical control methods, you can protect your watermelon plants while minimizing your environmental impact.
Growing a watermelon from seed to harvest requires patience and care, but the reward of homegrown watermelons is well worth the effort. Whether you’re planting watermelon plants in your backyard or managing a watermelon farm, these tips will help you cultivate delicious, juicy watermelons.
Remember, each region may have specific challenges, so don’t hesitate to consult local agricultural extensions for tailored advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the white seeds in watermelons?
The white “seeds” in watermelons are not actually seeds. They are empty seed coats that never fully developed into mature seeds. You can feel free to eat them, as they are harmless.
Do watermelons like to grow on a trellis or the ground?
While watermelons are typically grown on the ground, they can actually thrive just as well when trained to grow on a trellis or supported in slings or hammocks, regardless of the material used. Trellising watermelons can actually be beneficial as it helps to improve air circulation around the plants, which in turn makes the fruits less prone to issues like rotting or disease development.
Why did my watermelon flower but has no fruit?
If your watermelon plant has produced flowers but no fruit has developed, this is likely due to a lack of pollination. To encourage proper pollination and fruit set, consider adding some companion plants to your watermelon growing area that will help attract more pollinators, such as bees and other insects, to your watermelon flowers. This should help ensure the flowers get properly pollinated, allowing the fruits to then develop.
What should not be planted near watermelon?
When it comes to companion planting with watermelons, it’s best to avoid growing other members of the Cucurbitaceae family, such as squash, cucumbers, and pumpkins, in close proximity. This is because these plants can attract cucumber beetles, which can potentially cause significant damage to watermelon leaves, vines, roots, and even the fruits themselves. To protect your watermelon crop, it’s recommended to keep a safe distance from these closely related cucurbit species in the garden.
How many watermelon per plant?
Generally, a single watermelon plant can produce 2-4 full-sized watermelons.