On average, each watermelon plant produces two to three harvestable fruit. Each time the field is harvested, any exposed watermelons are re-covered with leaves or straw to prevent sunburn. A sharp knife is used to cut watermelons from the vine, then they are flipped over “belly up” to indicate they are ready.
How is a watermelon harvested?
All watermelons are harvested by hand. Workers initially go through the field and cut the watermelons from the vine that are ready for harvest and then the harvesting crew returns to harvest all of the cut watermelons.
What is the growing process of a watermelon?
It takes about three months to grow to full maturity. The first two months are comprised of the plant sprouting, vining, and flowering. It is only the last month of growth that the actual fruit will develop. You can expect to be able to harvest at about three months from planting the seed.
Where are watermelons harvested?
Production
| Watermelon production, 2020 (millions of tonnes) | |
|---|---|
| China | 60.1 |
| Turkey | 3.49 |
| India | 2.79 |
| Iran | 2.74 |
How long does it take to harvest a watermelon?
between 70 and 100 days
About Watermelons
However, gardeners in colder climates can still have success in growing watermelons by starting seeds indoors or purchasing young plants from a nursery, and by growing shorter-season varieties. Depending on the variety of watermelon, it can take between 70 and 100 days to go from planting to harvest.
How do you harvest watermelon seeds?
Cut open the melon and scoop the seeds out, flesh and all. Pour the “guts” into a large bowl and fill it with water. Healthy seed sinks to the bottom and dead (not viable) will float along with the majority of the pulp. Remove the “floaters” and pulp.
How do you know when to harvest watermelon?
Answer: Harvest watermelons when the underside or belly of the fruit turns from a greenish white to buttery yellow or cream. This color change is especially pronounced on the dark green skinned varieties. In addition, the fruit tends to lose its slick appearance on top and becomes dull when ripe.
What is the lifespan of a watermelon plant?
3-4 months
How many watermelons per plant? About 2 to 3 melons can be obtained per plant in its single lifespan of 3-4 months. Usually, gardeners purposely keep only one watermelon per plant to harvest big sized fruits.
Where is most watermelon grown?
Nearly 80 percent of all U.S. watermelon production hails from four States—Florida, Georgia, Texas and California. Florida surpasses all other States as the main supplier of U.S. watermelons, accounting for total production of 907 million pounds, or 25 percent of domestic supplies in 2019.
What month do you harvest watermelons?
Harvesting Watermelons
Watermelons will be ready for harvest 65 to 90 days after sowing depending on the variety. When watermelons are ready to harvest vine tendrils will begin to turn brown and die off. If the tendrils are green the melon is not ripe. A ripe watermelon will make a dull hollow sound when thumped.
Where do watermelons grow best?
Florida has historically been the top producer of watermelons and accounted for 19 percent of the 3.9 billion pounds of U.S. watermelon production in 2012. Florida and three other States—Georgia, California, and Texas—accounted for two-thirds of U.S. output in 2012.
Do watermelons need a lot of water?
Typically, watermelon plants need 1-2 inches of water per week so that the soil stays moist but not wet. If you’re not getting enough rain each week, make sure you give your plants an extra drink.
Do you have to turn watermelons as they grow?
Yes! We always recommend you rotate crops in your garden as much as possible to prevent diseases and pests. Watermelons should not come after or before any other melons, and if possible, any other members of the cucurbit family (winter squash, cucumbers, zucchini, summer squash, pumpkins).
How many watermelons do you get per plant?
How many watermelons do you get per plant? You should get between two and four watermelons per plant so it’s important to protect your harvest.
How watermelons are produced without seeds?
Seedless watermelons are triploid. They have three sets of chromosomes. This odd number results in them being sterile and not producing seeds. The way they become triploid is by mating a diploid male with a tetraploid female.
Can you grow a watermelon from the seeds?
Grow watermelon indoors:
In order to do this, fill some pots with seed-starting formula and sow each seed at a depth of 1 inch. You should sow 2-3 seeds per pot. Keep the soil moist and warm, at a temperature of 21 – 22°C. The seedlings will emerge in 7-10 days.
Can dogs eat watermelon?
The answer is yes, with a couple of precautions. First, seeds could cause an intestinal blockage, so make sure you remove them. It’s also a good idea to remove the rind because it can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Why is my watermelon white inside?
Cross-Pollination. If you buy seed from an unreliable nursery, or are new to saving your own seeds, you may mistakenly grow the offspring of a red-fleshed watermelon that has cross-pollinated with a citron melon — the watermelon with the hard, white flesh that cannot be eaten fresh.
Do watermelons ripen after picking?
Some, like watermelon, do not continue to ripen once harvested. Therefore, flavor will not improve nor will they become sweeter—t is what it is at harvest. However, cantaloupe and similar fruit will continue to ripen after harvest.
Is watermelon a plant or tree?
What is the watermelon tree? Watermelon, Citrullus lanatus in Latin, is a vegetable plant from the cucurbitaceae family that comes from Africa. It is a climbing herbaceous plant that can reach 4 meters long, with a ribbed stem, lobed leaves and yellow flowers.
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.
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.