At a Glance
grow watermelon vine from watermelon is a rewarding and aboveboard process that can yield yummy , juicy fruitsin your own backyard . This templet will provide you with all the data you postulate to successfully grow watermelon from be watermelon seeded player .
Choosing the Right Watermelon
The first measure ingrowing watermelonfrom Citrullus vulgaris is selecting the right fruit . prefer a advanced , hefty watermelonwith a firm and proportionate frame . Avoid watermelon with bruises or offer .
Harvesting the Seeds
Once you have your watermelon , cut it receptive and scoop out the ejaculate . Rinse the seed thoroughly with water to slay any remaining pulp .
Preparing the Seeds
Before planting the seeds , you want to prepare them by scarifying them . Thisinvolves lightly scratchingthe seed coating with asharp knifeor sandpaper to break the seed ’s dormancy and meliorate sprouting rates .
Germinating the Seeds
Fill a container withwarm waterand soak the seeds for 24 hours . This will help soften the seed coat and speed up sprouting . After 24 hours , run out the water and envelop the seeds in a damp paper towel . Place the newspaper publisher towel in awarm location(70 - 80 ° fluorine ) until the ejaculate germinate .
Planting the Seeds
Once the seeds have germinated , you may constitute them in your garden . Prepare a well - drained bedwith plenty oforganic matter . Plant the come 1inch deepand 2 - 3 feet apart .
Watering and Fertilizing
Watermelons require regular watering , especially during raging , dry weather condition . Water deeply at the nucleotide of the plant , avoiding getting theleaves wet . feed the flora every 4 - 6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer .
Pollinating the Flowers
Watermelons are monoecious , mean they have both virile and female flowerson the same plant . However , theflowers openat dissimilar time , so you may need to hand - pollinate them to secure fruit output . Use a minor brushwood orcotton swabto transfer pollen from the male flowers to the distaff efflorescence .
Caring for the Vines
As thewatermelon vines maturate , they will call for support to keep them off the ground . Trellising or staking the vines will helpprevent diseaseand improve fruit tone .
Harvesting the Watermelons
Watermelons aretypically readyto harvest 90 - 100 sidereal day after planting . Look for the keep abreast signs of ripeness :
Storing the Watermelons
Store ripe watermelon in a cool , ironic placefor up to 2 calendar week . Cut watermelon should be refrigerate and use up within 3 - 4 days .
Final Thoughts
Growing watermelon from watermelon vine is an enjoyable andrewarding experiencethat can provide you with delicious , homegrown yield . By postdate the steps outlined in this guide , you’re able to successfully naturalise your own watermelons and enjoy thesweet tasteof summertime .
What You Need to Know
Q : Can Igrow watermelonfrom storehouse - bought watermelon seeds?A : Yes , you cangrow watermelonfrom store - bought watermelon seeds . However , the seeds may not be as workable as seeds fromheirloom varieties , so you may have lower sprouting rate . Q : How long does it take togrow watermelonfrom seed?A : Ittypically takes90 - 100 day from planting to harvest for watermelon vine . Q : How much space dowatermelon plantsneed?A : watermelon vine plantsneed stack of space to grow and spread . engraft them 2 - 3 feet aside in a well - drained bed . Q : How often should I irrigate watermelon plants?A : Water watermelon plants deeplyand regularly , especially during hot , wry weather . Avoid get the leaves wet . Q : How do I know when watermelon is ripe?A : Look for the observe sign of ripeness : the underside of the watermelon willturn yellow , the Citrullus vulgaris willsound hollowwhen tapped , and the tendril near the stem willturn brownand ironic .