There has been a strange turn of events around here at Annie's Place, I was too busy this year to order seeds and was content using what I previously have when Hubby suddenly took some interest in my seed catalog, that is strange indeed. A week later I have 6 different varieties of watermelon to plant - thus the plant series continues and this time we are talking watermelon. I am the last person who should be posting on how to grow watermelon since I have tried twice and both times were unsuccessful, but since this is the place for "learning" I will be sharing what I studied from my resources and then "try, try again".
Citrullus vulgaris
Watermelon is native to the hot deserts of Africa and is part of the gourd family. Because of it's native origins it needs at least 3 months of hot weather to grow. Watermelons come in all different shapes, sizes and colors - as Hubby can attest.
Seed Starting
- Soak seeds prior to planting, space about a foot apart with plenty of space in the rows. Eight feet is the recommendation, you can also train them up a very heavy duty and supported trellis and save on room.
- Plant in full sun in rich soil that is at least 65 degrees.
- If direct planting, it also helps to cover with a plastic cage until sprouting occurs.
Care
- Once vines start to grow, mulch heavily.
- Keep watered regularly, they need plenty of moisture to thrive. (Note to self: This may have been why mine did not do well in the past, keep moist!)
- Keep leaves dry to avoid fungal diseases and mildew
- Reduce water when melons are almost ripe to develop their sweetness.
Harvesting/Preserving
There are a few tricks to test watermelon for ripeness, here are a few ideas I've come across:
- The stem slips easily off when melon is rotated.
- Thump on the melon with your knuckle, if it makes a dull, hollow sound it is ready.
- When the tendril opposite of the stem is brown and dry.
- For cantaloupe, the scent smells very strongly of melon and the netting pattern becomes very prominent.
- Melons don't really store so just pick and eat. Although some people pickle the rinds.
Seed Saving
When the fruit is ripe the seeds are ready. Just slice open the melon, pull out the seeds, rinse and lay to dry in a cool, dry place. Store in an airtight container or bag for up to 5 years.
Nutrition/Healing
Good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Also contains smaller amounts of other nutrients and is a good source for replenishing electrolytes.
Watermelon nutrition facts from Nutrition and You.
Watermelon nutrition facts from Nutrition and You.
Resources
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