How To Plant, Grow And Care Watermelon

Watermelons are fascinating plants. Although they are very juicy, they are native to arid areas and can survive even under conditions that are close to water deficiency. Raising them at home is enjoyable and fulfilling. Due to the hybrid varieties, these crops can also be grown in small gardens or even large pots.

Like other melons, watermelons are creeping vines and the plant leaves are large and coarse with prickly stems. It uses tendrils to crawl over barriers. Fruits differ in color, but most commonly deep green with lighter striping but may be almost black with gold lines. This fruit is quite big and may weigh around 10 kg, but some watermelons can be as big as 45 kg.

It's easy and satisfying to grow watermelon on your own, whether it's seedless, main-season, or early-season. Throughout the growing season, give your watermelon plants the care they need to thrive.

Light

Watermelon plants require full sunlight and should be placed where they can receive up to 8-10 hours of sun per day. This amount of light provides the plants with the right environment necessary for flowering and subsequent fruiting.

Lack of light affects the growth of the plants, yielding fewer fruits and relatively not-so-sweet watermelons. Thus, to optimize the yielding of fruits in the watermelon, it is prudent to plant the crop in an area that is exposed to sunlight throughout the day.

Water

Watermelons for instance contain 92% water and therefore require a lot of water to grow. The plants have small root systems that grow in the first 12 inches of soil and need about an inch of water per week. Divide this amount into two or more waterings throughout the week, especially when taking into consideration the type of soil.

This approach assists in maintaining standard soil moisture, which is crucial for the growth and maturity of fruits. Watering the plants is essential if one wishes to harvest juicy and delicious watermelons.

Temperature

Watermelons grow best at temperatures between 70ºF to 85ºF during the day and can handle temperatures up to 90ºF. However, it is important to know that they are very susceptible to frost and they cannot tolerate a frost environment.

Planting of watermelon seeds or seedlings should not be planted before all the frost dangers have passed. This way, you ensure the proper temperature conditions that will help watermelon grow healthy and produce fruits in the best way possible.

Humidity

Watermelon plants do well in regions with low to high humidity levels, but high humidity increases the chances of disease breakout. Another measure that may be taken to control humidity is to use drip irrigation for watering the plants.

This method provides water at the root zone and does not wet the foliage thus reducing chances of fungal diseases. Also, watering in the morning makes it easier for the foliage to dry up, reducing the chances of humidity-related issues. They assist in controlling diseases that might threaten the healthy growing process of watermelons.

Soil

Watermelon plants require warm soil temperatures to thrive. Although they are adaptable to various types of soils, proper drainage is important to avoid water logging that causes root rot. This is because watermelons require well-drained, yet moist soils, which are offered in loamy and sandy loams.

Proper drainage aids the watermelon roots to effectively source nutrients and oxygen, boosting growth and fruit yield for the entire growing period.

Fertilization

To fertilize watermelon plants adequately, it is advised to mix a balanced fertilizer such as 1:1:1 into the soil before planting. Mix this at the ratio of 3 pounds per 100 feet of garden space to be covered.

When the plants are growing, but vines have not yet emerged, side-dress the plants with a nitrogen source, such as 34-0-0, at a rate of one pound per 100 feet of row. Do this nitrogen application after blooming and when fruits begin to form. Do not use high nitrogen since it increases the growth of vines at the expense of the fruit setting.

Growing watermelon can be both easy and challenging, depending on factors like climate, soil quality, and pest management. With proper care, including adequate sunlight, water, and soil conditions, gardeners can achieve a high success rate in growing watermelons at home. Success rates vary, but attentive gardeners can typically expect a good yield of sweet and juicy watermelons.

How To Grow

The first step to growing watermelons successfully is to select premium seedlings or seeds from a reliable source. Choose a location that receives full sun exposure, has good drainage, and offers the vines enough room to grow. Plants should be spaced enough apart whether seeded outside or transplanted once the risk of frost has passed.

Water frequently to prevent waterlogging. Before planting, apply a balanced fertilizer and apply nitrogen as a side dressing. Keep an eye out for illnesses and pests, controlling them chemically or organically depending on the circumstances. 

To improve development in the vertical plane, plant support vines, and make sure there is enough ventilation by trimming some of the plants. These procedures guarantee the watermelon grows healthily and produces good fruits.

When To Grow

The ideal time to plant watermelons is after the frost season has passed and the soil temperature is still above 70°F. Once more, the date varies by region, but it typically occurs in the late spring or early summer. For accurate scheduling, use the frost dates and the regional climate calendar.

Planting later in the season could shorten it while planting too early could result in frost damage. The highest opportunity for germination, robust growth, and a good crop of watermelon plants is provided by these tips on waiting attentively for the warm soil.

Where To Grow

Select an area within the compound that receives 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight so that the watermelon plants can develop there. The place that has been selected needs to have good drainage and rich organic soil. Raised beds or containers allow you to control soil conditions and water retention in situations when there is limited space to deal with, such as in an apartment garden.

In summary, plants require light to germinate and yield fruit, but they also need adequate drainage to have healthy roots and adequate nutrition to maintain their proper vigor. Optimizing the process for your particular conditions is one technique to increase the efficacy of cultivating watermelons.

When growing watermelons, there are common mistakes to avoid for a successful harvest:

1. Overwatering

It can result in waterlogged soil that suffocates the roots, causes root rot, and provides a conducive environment for fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. Watering of watermelons should be done thoroughly but less frequently and the soil should be allowed to dry before water is added again. Feel the soil or use a moisture meter to know when to water plants or to avoid watering them.

2. Poor Soil Drainage

Watermelon has been known to develop root rot in case the soil is not well drained. In well-drained soils like compacted or clayey soils, water stagnation is likely to occur. Increase drainage by incorporating organic material such as compost or by growing watermelons in well-drained beds. Do not plant in places that are commonly flooded with water.

3. Insufficient Sunlight

Watermelons thrive in full sun, receiving at least 8-10 hours of direct sunlight daily. Inadequate sunlight can result in weak growth, delayed flowering, and reduced fruit production. Choose a sunny location for planting watermelons to ensure they receive optimal sunlight exposure throughout the day.

4. Incorrect Spacing

Watermelon seeds or transplants should not be planted too close to each other because this can result in the overcrowding of the plants, competition for nutrients, and limited space for air to circulate the plants. Space the plants according to the type of tomato plant you are growing to give enough room for each plant to grow and produce without hindrance.

5. Skipping Fertilization

Watermelons are considered heavy feeders and they should be provided with fertilizers often to enable them to grow and produce fruits. Failure to fertilize or fertilize sparingly will lead to a lack of nutrients, slow growth, and poor yield of fruits. Use a balanced fertilizer at the recommended rates and right time depending on the nutrient requirement of the soil and the plant growth cycle.

Watermelon plants can be propagated through several methods:

1. Seeds

One of the most effective methods of raising watermelon plants is by the use of seeds. Watermelon seeds can either be extracted from ripe fruits or bought from nurseries and garden stores. Sow the seeds when the danger of frost has passed, at appropriate spacing and depth.

2. Transplants

Watermelon plants can also be propagated through the use of transplants which can be bought from nurseries or garden centers. These young plants are usually produced from seeds under protected structures and marketed for direct use in backyard gardens.

Plants should be transplanted with the recommended spacing and then taken care of as they continue to develop.

3. Cuttings

Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate watermelon plants more frequently though. Use a portion of an actively growing stem from a healthy watermelon plant, it could be fresh cutting. Trim off the lowest node and some of the leaves and place the cutting in a suitable growing mix like perlite or vermiculite.

It is necessary to maintain moisture in the medium and place the pot with the cutting in a slightly illuminated area till the roots appear.

4. Layering

Layering is another method of propagation that involves placing a part of the stem in a rooting medium while the stem is still connected to the parent plant. Take a piece of a vine stem place it in a hole and then cover it with soil and ensure that it is watered and supported until it develops roots.

After roots have developed, the new plant can be cut off from the main plant and transplanted to another field.

You can grow small watermelon varieties in pots too! Simply choose a pot not less than 5 gallons, put holes in the bottom for water to drain, and use light soil to fill the pot. As soon as the weather is warm enough, put down some seeds an inch deep or transplant a young plant and water.

As the vine grows, assist it to crawl on a trellis or teepee. Once the fruit starts to grow, use soft fabric to create a small hammock for each melon. It is advisable to water it in the morning and in the evening when it is warm and during the day when it is hot.

You will not be required to transplant them to other pots because watermelon plants typically only take one season.

Watermelon does not continue to ripen after it has been harvested, so choosing the ideal time to harvest it can be tricky. This isn't always the case, though, because certain types change color as they mature. On the other hand, note the tendril near the fruit; it should wilt and turn brown.

Ripeness indicators, on the other hand, include dullness of the skin, resistance to a fingernail test, and a rounded blossom end. However, cutting the fruit is the most accurate way to determine if it is sufficiently ripe. With time, one will become adept at determining when to harvest a particular kind of watermelon.

Here are some popular varieties of watermelon that are great for growing:

1. Sugar Baby

Sugar Baby watermelons are known for their small, round size, making them ideal for smaller gardens or containers. They typically weigh around 8-10 pounds. The flesh is deep red, very sweet, and juicy. The rind is thin, making it easy to handle and cut. 

This variety is compact and bushy, suitable for limited-space gardens or patio containers. Sugar Baby watermelons are ready to harvest in about 75-80 days after planting.

2. Crimson Sweet

Sweet watermelons are larger, oblong fruits that are popular for their excellent flavor and juicy texture. The flesh is deep red, crisp, and very sweet. The rind is medium-thick, with light and dark green stripes.

This variety is known for its resistance to certain diseases, making it a reliable choice for home gardeners. Crimson Sweet plants are vigorous growers with long vines, so they require ample space to spread. They are typically ready to harvest in 85-90 days.

3. Charleston Gray

Charleston Gray watermelons are large, oblong fruits with a light green rind and sweet, juicy flesh. The flesh is red, crisp, and sweet, with a high sugar content. This variety is resistant to some common watermelon diseases, making it a popular choice for home gardens. 

The plants have a sprawling growth habit and produce long vines, so they need space to spread. Charleston Gray watermelons are ready for harvest in about 85-90 days.

4. Yellow Doll

Yellow Doll watermelons are unique because they have bright yellow flesh instead of the traditional red. The flesh is yellow, sweet, and tangy, offering a refreshing twist on traditional watermelon flavor. The rind is thin and light green. 

Yellow Doll plants are compact and bushy, making them suitable for smaller gardens or containers. They are ready for harvest in approximately 75-80 days.

5. Moon and Stars

Moon and Stars watermelons are named for their dark green rind with yellow spots resembling moons and stars. The flesh is red, sweet, and juicy. The rind is thick and dark green with contrasting yellow spots. 

This variety produces long vines and requires ample space to spread. Moon and Stars watermelons are ready for harvest in about 90-95 days.

6. Black Diamond

Black Diamond watermelons are known for their large size, dark green rind, and sweet, juicy flesh. The flesh is deep red, very sweet, and flavorful. The rind is thick and dark green, providing good protection for the fruit.

These plants produce long vines and need plenty of space to grow. Black Diamond watermelons are ready for harvest in about 85-90 days.

Common pests and diseases that can affect watermelon plants include:

Pests

• Aphids: These small insects feed on plant sap, causing leaves to curl, yellow, and distort. They can also transmit viruses to watermelon plants.

• Cucumber Beetles: Both striped and spotted cucumber beetles can damage watermelon plants by feeding on leaves, stems, and fruits. They also spread bacterial wilt disease.

• Spider Mites: These tiny pests suck sap from leaves, causing stippling, yellowing, and webbing. Severe infestations can weaken plants and reduce yield.

• Squash Bugs: They feed on plant sap, causing wilting, yellowing, and plant decline. Squash bugs can transmit bacterial diseases to watermelon plants.

Diseases

• Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as white powdery patches on leaves, reducing photosynthesis and weakening plants over time.

• Downy Mildew: Another fungal disease, downy mildew causes yellowing, browning, and curling of leaves, leading to reduced growth and fruit quality.

• Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects fruits, causing dark, sunken lesions that can lead to fruit rot and spoilage.

• Fusarium Wilt: A soil-borne fungal disease, fusarium wilt causes wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of plants. It can persist in soil for years, affecting future crops.