Growing Watermelons, Citrullus lanatus

how to grow watermelons

The questions on growing watermelons and watermelon being a fruit or vegetable has been debated as long as growing watermelon Plants has been practiced and that is quite a while, considering watermelon seed was found stored in King Tut's tomb.

According to scientists and the government, watermelon is considered both a fruit and a vegetable. Eating juicy delicious watermelon takes care of two daily-required food groups at once!

When and how to plant watermelon

There is a wide range of how to grow watermelons including large, small, and seedless varieties. Spacing recommendations vary depending on the variety selected. For large varieties, allow 84-108 inches between rows and 48 to 60 inches between plants. For small and seedless types of growing watermelons, leave 48-60 inches between rows and space plants 15 to 30 inches apart.

Plant seeds in rows at a depth of one to two inches individually or in groups of two to four in early spring. This planting schedule produces a harvest before rainy summer weather. A late summer planting provides for harvesting a fall crop of growing watermelons.

* Watermelon seed germinates in a week to ten days.

* 2- 4 plants per person need to be planted for a plentiful harvest.

Growing watermelons produce male and female flowers. Male flowers usually bloom first while the females lag behind for several weeks. The female blossoms have a small fruit immediately after the opening buds. Be patient, if weeks pass since flowering and there still is no sign of fruit. The separate sexes will get their act together soon and fruit will develop as bees visit the plants. You may also use a small brush to distribute pollen from male to female flowers.

watermelon soil

The juiciest grow watermelons are planted in sandy, well-drained soil enriched with a healthy heaping of organic matter. Apply a 6-6-6 or similar product 7-10 days after seedlings emerges. Reapply when the vine begins to run and again as flowering begins.

watermelon plants Watering

Watermelon growth need a moderate water supply. Water once or twice a week once the plants are established. A poor taste is generally caused by bad weather conditions. Heavy rains or over watering near the harvest causes bland fruit due to diluted sugars from the extra moisture.

Harvesting watermelon and Sugar baby.

The harvest time for watermelons plant is in mature stages only. Tap on melons to check for a dull thud, which indicates ripeness. Watermelon bellies change from smooth, white to rough, and yellow when ripe. Another sign to harvest watermelon is the Too many cloudy days or picking too early may cause the watermelon to lose its natural sweetness. Make certain to keep plants on the dry side as harvesting approaches.

* It is typically 85-95 days to harvest.

Storage

In the US, watermelon plants is used in making fruit salad, desserts, and fruity frozen drinks. In other parts of the world such as in, the orient all parts of the watermelon are stewed, stir-fried, or pickled. In Russia, a popular dish is watermelon rind pickles.

* Store watermelons in refrigerator one day before cutting.

* Uncut watermelon can be stored at room temperature for 6-8 days.

Pest Control

Major pests of big watermelon are caterpillars, which can be normally controlled by handpicking.

Watermelon diseases Prevention

Look out for such fungal diseases in growing watermelons as Fusarium wilt, anthracnose, and downy mildew. Grow disease resistant types and spray fungicides as needed. Avoid diseases by rotating garden sites each year. Fumigate small areas or follow soil solarization techniques.