Watermelons are a delicious and refreshing summer fruit, and growing them in your garden is easier than you might think. In this guide, you’ll learn how to grow watermelon from seed, how long it takes to grow them, and how seedless watermelons are cultivated. How to Grow Kiwi from Seeds here!
How to Grow Watermelon from Seed
Step 1: Choosing Seeds
Start by selecting your watermelon variety:
- Sugar Baby: A small, round watermelon, ideal for compact spaces.
- Crimson Sweet: A popular large variety with a sweet flavor.
- Yellow Crimson: A unique variety with yellow flesh.
You can buy seeds at a garden store or online.
Step 2: Preparing the Soil
Watermelons need rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Before planting, improve the soil by adding compost or aged manure.
Step 3: Planting Seeds
- Timing: Start watermelon seeds indoors about 3-4 weeks before the last frost or plant them directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Watermelons need warm soil (at least 70°F/21°C) to germinate.
- Spacing: Watermelons are sprawling vines that require plenty of space. If planting in the garden, space the seeds about 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) apart in rows that are 6-8 feet apart (1.8-2.5 meters). You can also plant them in hills, placing 3-4 seeds per hill, then thinning out to the strongest plant once they sprout.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, during germination. Once the seedlings appear, water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root growth.
Step 4: Care
- Water: Water deeply once the plants are established, keeping the soil evenly moist.
- Fertilize: Use balanced fertilizer early on, switching to one higher in phosphorus and potassium when flowering begins.
How Long Does It Take to Grow Watermelons?
Watermelons typically take 70 to 100 days to mature, depending on the variety. Smaller types like Sugar Baby mature faster, in about 70 days, while larger varieties like Crimson Sweet can take up to 100 days.
Factors That Affect Growth Time
- Climate: Watermelons grow best in warm, sunny climates.
- Water and Soil: Proper watering and nutrition ensure faster, healthier growth.
How Are Seedless Watermelons Grown?
Seedless watermelons are grown using a special hybridization process:
- Hybridization: They are produced by crossing diploid and tetraploid watermelon plants, resulting in a triploid plant, which is sterile and cannot form seeds.
- Pollination: Seedless watermelons need to be planted near seeded varieties so pollinators like bees can help with fruit development.
- Growing: Once pollinated, seedless watermelons grow like any regular watermelon.
Tips for Growing Watermelons
- Space: Watermelons need room to sprawl, so ensure ample space, or use a trellis to support vines.
- Mulch: Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pollination: Ensure pollinator activity, as watermelons rely on bees for pollination.
Conclusion
Growing watermelons from seed is a rewarding project that can fill your summer with delicious, homegrown fruit. Now that you know how to grow watermelon, the process behind seedless watermelon, and how long watermelons take to grow, you’re well-prepared for a fruitful harvest! With some care and patience, you’ll be enjoying sweet, juicy watermelons in no time.