When first planting watermelons, use a nitrogen-rich organic option, such as blood meal (dried blood), cottonseed meal, fish emulsion, and seaweed. After vining, bone meal and rock phosphate provide a healthy dose of the phosphorus needed for fruiting.
What is the best fertilizer for watermelons?
For watermelons, apply a fertilizer high in phosphorous, such as 10-10-10, at a rate of 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet (60 to 90 feet of row). Make a trench on the planting bed 4 to 6 inches deep and 2 inches from the side of the row. Cover the fertilizer and plant so seeds do not touch the fertilizer.
Do cantaloupes like bone meal?
A sprinkling of fish bone meal helps. Best soil pH ranges from 6.5-7. In 2.5 to 3 months they yield ripe fruit. If growing in a cooler area, start in a heated greenhouse until it gets warm enough outside.
How do you increase watermelon growth?
To maximize the size of the melon, water the plants regularly in deep water sessions that keep the soil moist. Side dress the Watermelon plants with fertilizer prepared for edible crops or fertilizer tea to feed the plants. Fertilizer encourages growth to produce large melons.
What is the best NPK for watermelon?
The best fertilizers for watermelons have an NPK ratio of around 5-10-10. The Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentrations should be higher than nitrogen (N). Apply 30 pounds per 1000 square feet. Side dressing with a fertilizer high in nitrogen (N) such as 34-0-0 is important as well.
What fertilizer make fruit bigger?
Potassium is the key driver of fruit size and alongside nitrogen is required in large quantities throughout fruit development and growth. However, too much nitrogen at a late growth stage can restrict fruit size; therefore a balanced nutrient application is crucial. Phosphorus can restrict fruit growth too.
How do you make watermelon sweeter?
A small sprinkle of salt doesn’t just offer a salty-sweet kick, it also brings out the sweetness in the watermelon, making this the perfect hack for when you dig into a lackluster slice. Trust me, I’ve had people FREAK over this simple trick; it’s a game-changer.
When should I fertilize my watermelon?
Just before or as soon as the vines begin to run, a second application of nitrogen is advisable. This is usually 30 to 60 days from planting. Use a 33-0-0 fertilizer at the rate of ½ pound (227 g.) per every 50 feet (15 m.)
Is Epsom salt good for melons?
Flat, tasteless melons can be due to a lack of magnesium or boron in the soil. It has been found that such fruits can be sweetened by giving them a dose of Epsom salts and borax. For home garden use, use about 6 1/2 tablespoons of Epsom salts and 3 1/2 tablespoons of household borax, all added to five gallons of water.
How often should I water watermelon?
Watering Watermelons
They require plentiful regular, even watering for quick growing. Give watermelons 1 to 2 inches (2.5. -5cm) of water every week (1 inch equals 16 gallons/60.5 liters.) Keep the soil moist until the fruit reaches full size then stop watering while the fruit ripens.
What to put under watermelons while growing?
Instead, place small patches of plastic sheeting, coarse straw or a piece of plywood directly under melon fruits that have become at least softball sized. As long as the melon doesn’t rest directly atop wet soil or mulch, there’s much less chance for the melon’s underside to rot.
Why won’t my watermelons get bigger?
Root damage – Stunted watermelon growth might be the result of damage occurring during transplanting. You may have damaged the roots irreparably and they just can’t take sufficient nutrients up to support further growth. Cultivating around the plant can also damage roots, which can affect fruit size.
Should I pinch off watermelon flowers?
Some believe that pinching off a vine’s growing shoots as watermelons start to ripen will cause the plant to divert all its energies to fruit ripening. Recent research has shown this to be false.
Do you trim watermelon vines?
Pruning watermelons promotes healthier vines and increases fruit size. Look for irregular or rotting fruit to prune from the plant. Removing the less than perfect melons will enable the plant to focus energy towards growing bigger, healthier, juicier melons.
Is Borax good for watermelon?
I found a few additional tips. First, you can spray Boron on watermelon vines, Boron is a mineral that helps to sweeten the fruit – you can make it by mixing a tablespoon of household Borax into a gallon of water. Second, melons really do like sun.
How many watermelons do you get per plant?
2-4 fruits
How Many Watermelons per Plant? Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. The vines produce both male and female flowers. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males.
Which fertilizer is best for flowering and fruiting?
Phosphorus
Complete Fertilizer
Phosphorus or Phosphate (P): Promotes blooming and fruit formation.
How do I make my fruit bigger?
Although the nutrient needs of plants vary, all require nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to promote healthy growth. While both nitrogen and potassium are necessary for growth, phosphorus works directly on fruit production. An added application of phosphorus at blooming or fruiting time is often beneficial.
Why do people put salt on watermelon?
By taking the bitter taste out of a food, the sweetness will become more apparent. Salt also helps to replenish electrolytes in the body as well, something we often lose through sweat. Not only that, spreading some salt on your watermelon will make it taste juicier—trust me, it works!
What can I do with watermelon that is not so sweet?
Use a knife to slice a lemon or lime in half and squeeze about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of juice over sliced or cubed watermelon. Some people find that a boost of acidity makes the melon taste sweeter. Try adding salt and pepper to round out the flavor. Or, if you like spicy foods, add some cayenne or hot sauce!
What do you sprinkle on watermelon?
Sprinkle lemon zest over watermelon, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top and then finish seasoning with coarse sea salt. Sesame, Ginger & Soy Watermelon: Sprinkle sesame seeds (white or black) on watermelon and sprinkle with ground ginger. Serve with salty soy sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.