Growing lush, sweet watermelon plants and harvesting the mouthwatering fruits is one of summer’s greatest pleasures. As the long days of sunlight ripen the melons to perfection, it’s easy to see why this iconic fruit has been cherished for over 5,000 years. Read on to discover the joys of watermelon cultivation.
Why Grow Your Own Watermelons?
In addition to fresh flavor right in your backyard, growing watermelons allows you to try heirloom varieties you won’t find in stores. It also saves money while providing your family with nutritious fruit free of chemicals. Furthermore, tending melon vines is an enjoyable, hands-on activity for gardeners of all ages.
Benefits of Homegrown Watermelons
The benefits of putting in the effort to grow watermelons at home include:
- Superior taste: Freshly harvested watermelons have higher sugar content and more balanced flavor compared to store-bought varieties that were picked prematurely.
- Nutrient retention: Watermelons allowed to fully vine ripen on plants retain more vitamins, antioxidants and other beneficial phytonutrients.
- Heirloom varieties: Grow rare, specialized watermelon types with unique flesh colors, textures, shapes and captivating names like Moonshine, Cream of Saskatchewan or Stone Mountain.
- Fewer chemicals: You control what does or doesn’t go on plants, for peace of mind feeding homegrown watermelons to your family.
- Cost savings: Getting 4-6 melons from each plant saves substantially compared to buying watermelons, making it economical.
- Gardening enjoyment: Nurturing vines through the growing season and harvesting ripe summer fruits is extremely rewarding.
- Family activity: Getting kids involved in the watermelon patch teaches valuable gardening skills and connects them to their food source.
Drawbacks of Growing Watermelons
While homegrown watermelons have many advantages, it’s important to consider potential downsides as well:
- Space requirements: Watermelon vines need lots of room to spread out, at least several square feet per hill.
- Time commitment: Watermelons take 80+ days from seed to harvest, requiring season-long care.
- Pest management: Susceptibility to pests like cucumber beetles and diseases may discourage some growers.
- Physical effort: Activities like preparing beds, training vines, and turning melons can be physically demanding.
- Fewer fruits: Each plant yields around 4-6 melons, unlike buying dozens at the store.
Weigh pros and cons carefully to decide if embarking on watermelon cultivation is right for your gardening abilities and expectations.
Choosing the Best Varieties
With over 1,200 watermelon cultivars, selecting ideal types for your growing conditions is key.
Factors Affecting Variety Selection
Consider the following factors when deciding which watermelon varieties to grow:
Climate and Seasons
- Temperature range in your region
- Humidity levels during summer
- Sunlight exposure in your planting site
- Length of growing season between spring and fall frosts
- USDA Hardiness Zone rating for your area
Space Available
- In-ground gardens vs. planter boxes/containers
- Square footage available per watermelon vine/hill
Maturation Duration
- Days to maturity from transplanting or direct seeding
- Time required from flowering to ripe fruits
Mature Melon Size
- Average melon diameter at harvest
- Compact “icebox” melons vs. full-size 20+ lb giants
Preferred Flesh Characteristics
- Flesh color: red, orange, yellow or white
- Flesh texture: crunchy vs. tender
- Sugar content: sweetness level
Pest/Disease Resistance
- Tolerance/resistance to fungi like anthracnose or powdery mildew
- Tolerance/resistance to pests like cucumber beetles or squash bugs
Recommended Watermelon Varieties
Popular seeded watermelon varieties to consider include:
Compact Bush Watermelons
- Sugar Baby (75 days, 6-10 lb fruits)
- Extazy (68 days, 4-6 lb fruits)
- Mickylee (75 days, 8 lb melons)
Icebox Watermelons
- Yellow Doll (70 days, 6-8 lb melons)
- New Hampshire Midget (75 days, 4-6 lb fruits)
- Petite Perfection (85 days, 6-8 lb melons)
Medium Sized Watermelons
- Crimson Sweet (80 days, 10-15 lb fruits)
- Sangria (87 days, 12-14 lb melons)
- Stars N’ Stripes (88 days, 15-18 lb fruits)
Large Watermelons
- Black Diamond (90 days, 18-20 lb melons)
- Carolina Cross (90 days, 25-30 lb fruits)
- Jamboree (90 days, 35-45 lb melons)
This covers a sampling of top recommended varieties to start your search. Visit local garden centers or browse seed catalogs to learn about additional watermelon types and select ones tailored to your needs.
Preparing Watermelon Beds
Creating optimal soil conditions gives baby watermelon transplants or direct sown seeds the best chances for vigorous growth.
Bed Preparation Guidelines
Sunlight
Watermelons require at least 8 hours of direct sun exposure daily for robust development. Select garden sites with full sun access throughout the day.
Soil Health
Watermelons prefer neutral pH loamy soils with high organic matter from compost. Avoid planting where other cucurbits grew recently to minimize disease.
Drainage
Melons are sensitive to overly wet roots prone to fungus and pathogens. Ensure beds drain well by incorporating peat or creating raised hills.
Fertility
Mix in 1-2 inches of aged manure or compost before planting. Side dress vines later in season by sprinkling a nitrogen-based fertilizer around drip lines.
Spacing
Give each melon vine at least 8 square feet of space. Allow ample room between vines for vines to spread, light penetration and air circulation.
Frost Dates
Plant winter-sensitive watermelon seedlings outdoors only after the final expected spring frost in your area has passed.
Following these guidelines when prepping watermelon beds gives crops an advantageous start.
Planting Techniques
Watermelons can be started one of two ways—by direct seeding into garden beds or by transplanting seedlings.
Direct Seeding Watermelons
Directly sowing watermelon seeds outside requires less work compared to growing transplants. Follow these tips:
When
- Wait 2-3 weeks after last expected frost date
- Once soil warms to at least 65°F
Where
- Select a site meeting sun, soil and drainage requirements
- Space hills/holes 8+ feet apart in all directions
How
- Sow 3-4 seeds together 1-2 inches deep
- Cover with fine soil and water gently
- Expect 50-85% germination success
Care
- Thin to strongest 2 seedlings per hill after emergence
- Weed and water regularly
- Apply protective row covers if cold snaps occur
Direct seeding avoids transplant shock and means less work upfront. However, germination can be spotty leading to gaps in plant spacing.
Transplanting Watermelon Starts
Starting watermelons indoors provides more control over plant spacing and timing compared to direct seeding:
When
- Start seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before last frost date
- Harden off and transplant outdoors after danger of frost
Where
- Use individual biodegradable peat pots or trays
- Place by sunny window or under grow lights
How
- Sow 2-3 seeds per pot, 1 inch deep
- Cover pots with plastic domes to retain moisture
- Thin down to 1 strongest seedling
Care
- Pot up seedlings or harden off gradually
- Bury entire peat pot when transplanting outside
Transplants give melons a head start on summer heat requirements for best fruiting. However, they require more time and supplies compared to direct seeding.
Caring for Vines
Watermelon vines have some unique care requirements compared to many other crops. Proper watering, pruning, pest control and pollination ensures success.
Watering Needs
Watermelon vines require consistent soil moisture throughout their development:
Germination Stage
- Keep seeded rows/hills evenly moist for 10-14 days until sprouts emerge
Seedling/Vine Growth
- Supply 1 inch of water weekly in absence of rain
Flowering & Fruit Set
- Increase water during this critical stage to support developing melons, about 1.5 inches per week
Ripening Stage
- Taper off watering as fruits fill out to avoid splitting, unless drought occurs
Monitor soil moisture levels and water thoroughly without oversaturating. Utilize drip lines, soaker hoses or careful hand watering rather than sprinklers.
Training Vines
Allowing watermelon vines to sprawl across garden beds leads to poor fruit quality and diseases. Instead, properly train vines:
Trellising
- Set up trellises, fencing or cages for vines to climb prior to transplanting
- Gently tie main runner vines to supports using soft plant ties or velcro strips as they elongate
Pruning
- Clip side shoots near base with hand pruners to promote stronger main vines
- Remove excess foliage to improve air circulation reducing mildew/fungus
Fruit Support
- Use fabric slings or pantyhose sections to cradle developing melons off soil
- Prevent fruits from pulling vines away from supports leading to damage
Proper training optimizes growth and enables melons to fully ripen.
Pollination Needs
Like other cucurbits, watermelon flowers are primarily pollinated by bees transporting pollen as they gather nectar. Support good pollination by:
- Waiting to apply insecticides until after flowers open
- Creating habitats for native pollinators to access garden
- Gently shaking main vines midday to disperse pollen
- Hand pollinating by transferring pollen between flowers using a small brush
Making your watermelon patch pollinator-friendly ensures productive fruit set.
Pest Management
Watermelons face attack by various garden pests at different growth stages:
Seedlings
Threats: Cutworms, slugs
Solutions: Use protective floating row covers, remove pests by hand, apply iron phosphate bait
Vine Growth & Flowering
Threats: Cucumber beetles, squash bugs, whiteflies
Solutions: Apply insecticidal soap, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or green lacewings
Fruits
Threats: Squash vine borer larvae
Solutions: Spread out vines to inspect and remove borers, apply bacillus thuringiensis treatment
Closely monitoring vines enables early interventions against damaging pests for best results.
Harvesting Ripe Watermelons
Timing the harvest properly results in superior quality melons versus letting them over or under ripen on vines.
Signs Melons Are Ready for Picking
Check for a combination of these indicators fruits are at their peak for harvesting:
Physical Attributes
- Ground spot turns creamy yellow
- Surface color loses sheen
- Tendrils near stem dry out and turn brown
Touch Cues
- Thumping produces a deep hollow reverberation
- Pressing on rind gives slightly
Timing
- Cross reference days since pollination with seed variety guidance
- Watch closely as maturity window is only 5-7 days
Relying on multiple indicators of ripeness reduces chances for misjudging and picking melons too soon or late.
Harvesting Process
Use care when collecting ripe watermelons to avoid damaging fruits and vines:
- Identify mature melons and harvest all at once if possible
- Use sharp pruning shears/knife to cut vine 2-3 inches away from melon
- Carry or roll melons off vines by stems rather than pulling
- Move melons immediately to shaded holding area out of field
Handle watermelons gently to prevent cracking tender rinds or bruising delicate flesh—a disappointing fate after months carefully nurturing plants!
Post Harvest Storage
Enjoy fresh picked watermelons within 5-7 days for premium quality and flavor. Store harvested ripe melons for short term at 45-60°F with 90-95% humidity levels. Avoid extended refrigeration negatively impacting texture and sweetness.
Tantalizing Watermelon Treats
Beyond enjoying juicy raw watermelon wedges, also incorporate homegrown fruits into delicious recipes:
Savory Watermelon Dishes
Watermelon Gazpacho Soup
Blend chunks of watermelon with tomatoes, cucumber, onion and seasonings into chilled soup
Watermelon Feta Salad
Toss diced watermelon, feta cheese, mint and balsamic vinegar over mixed greens
Grilled Watermelon
Sear wedges of watermelon over grill for caramelization and smoky notes
Watermelon Salsa
Combine diced watermelon with onion, lime juice and cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips.
Watermelon Stir Fry
Heat cubes of watermelon in a wok with chicken or tofu and stir fry vegetables
Sweet Watermelon Treats
Watermelon Cake
Layer sheets of watermelon between crumb coats of sponge cake iced with cream cheese frosting
Watermelon Slushies
Blend watermelon chunks with ice and lemon or lime juice for a refreshing beverage
Watermelon Fruit Leathers
Puree watermelon flesh and pour into dehydrator trays to make chewy fruit leathers
With so many possibilities, a homegrown crop guarantees inventive kitchen fun for the whole family!
Succeed in Growing These Sweet Summer Treats in Your Own Garden
The joys of growing watermelon span from sowing seeds to savoring sweet, ripe fruits. A bit of planning and attentive care allows even novice gardeners to succeed in cultivating these iconic summer treats. Enjoy the hands-on pleasures and proud achievement of harvesting vine-ripened watermelons from your own backyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why are my watermelon vines not producing any female flowers?
Lack of female flowers is often due to unfavorable growing conditions. Ensure vines receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily along with consistent soil moisture. Give vines a balanced fertilizer when rapid growth begins. Temperatures over 90°F can inhibit flower production.
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How can I tell male flowers from female flowers on watermelon vines?
Male watermelon flowers have a straight, slender stem while female flowers have a swollen, vase-shaped base behind petals which eventually develops into the melon fruit after pollination occurs.
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What causes white spots to appear on watermelon vine leaves?
White spots on foliage are likely due to powdery mildew fungal disease. Improve air circulation between vines, avoid wetting leaves and apply sulfur fungicide spray treatments to inhibit spreading.
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Why do watermelon rinds crack open before melons are ripe?
Sudden rind cracking on still immature watermelons is typically caused by inconsistent soil moisture, usually due to periods of drought followed by heavy watering. Ensure young fruits receive adequate water early on for even growth.
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How can I prevent insects and animals from eating my nearly ripe watermelons?
Protect maturing fruits from critter damage by gently placing ripening melons atop bricks or wood boards to lift them off moist soil. Cover with plastic nets secured tightly around vines and fruits to create a barrier against pests.
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What causes bitter white tissue inside my watermelon?
White “zest” areas within red flesh results from temperature extremes damaging developing melons. Provide protection against severe day/night temperature shifts once fruits start growing to maintain sweetness.
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Why do some of my homegrown watermelons lack rich color and sweetness compared to store-bought varieties?
Poor fruit quality issues like pale flesh and low sugar content can stem from insufficient sunlight, low soil fertility, lack of pollination or drought stress during ripening. Review growing conditions and amend practices as needed next season.
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When is the best time to harvest watermelons?
Check base spots, tendrils and rinds daily as melons near maturity. Harvest melons in early morning when temperatures are coolest to avoid sun scalding. Fruits should pull off vines easily when vines are cut rather than needing force.
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How long will freshly picked watermelons last if stored properly?
Expect freshly harvested, intact watermelons to retain peak quality for 5-7 days when kept in cool, shaded location around 60°F. Eat cut melons within 2-3 days before flesh loses juiciness. Avoid extended refrigeration altering textures.
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Can watermelons successfully grow in container gardens?
Dwarf, bush watermelon varieties can thrive in large containers, at least 5 gallon capacity or bigger, given requirements met for drainage, soil quality, sunlight and support for vines are met. Productivity is lower than in ground beds but great for small space gardens!
