Watermelons are a quintessential summer ritual. Picnics, seed spitting (did you grow up in the south?), and just that sweet juicy flavor.
Scientific name: Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus
Varieties
Crimson Sweet
The classic summer heirloom watermelon. They have sweet, crunchy flesh, and weigh an average of 15–25 lb. They do need lots of room as the vines can get 10 feet long. Does have lots of seeds! 85 Days. Open-pollinated.
Moon and Stars
Fun to grow heirloom. The rind is green with yellow spots. Developed in Missouri and suits Zone 6 very well. Disease resistant but the squash bugs loved it at my place. Gets BIG - up to 35 pounds. 100 days. Open pollinated.
Sugar Baby
The classic smaller ice box melon weighs between 8 - 10 pounds. 76 days. Open-pollinated.
Orange Orchid
Beautiful oblong fruits with crisp orange flesh averaging 6–8 lb. Perfect for small households. Better yield than larger melons and more small space friendly. You can trellis this melon and provide a mesh bag for support. 78 days. F1 hybrid.
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Planting
Choose a location with full sun exposure, as watermelons require plenty of sunlight for optimal growth. Like other members of the cucurbit family watermelons like nutrient-rich soil.
Make sure the soil is well-drained and add lots of compost. Watermelon struggles in heavy clay soil so amend your garden with lots of compost and consider adding greensand or gypsom to the watermelon patch.
Watermelon is not a high-yielding crop so plan accordingly. Larger varieties like Crimson Sweet only produce 1–2 fruits per plant.
Watermelons like a more alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5–7.5 so lime if needed.
Sowing Outside
Wait until the soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C) before planting watermelon seeds or transplants.
Plant 2 inches deep in garden soil and water in well.
Plant seeds or seedlings in small hills or mounds to aid in drainage and create a warmer soil environment. Space hills about 4-6 feet apart with two plants per hill.
If planting in rows, space them 6-8 feet apart.
Keep in mind the variety - a large watermelon can have vines 10 feet long. A smaller watermelon three feet long.
Sowing Indoors
Wait till mid-April to seed indoors. Plants grow fast and you don’t want them to get leggy while you wait for that late cold spell to end.
Sow seeds ½–1" in 24 trays or peat pots. Watermelon roots are tender so peat pots have an advantage.
With a germination temperature of 80 F then lower to 70.
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Watering and Mulching
Soil moisture is important for growth and pollination. 1-2 inches per week.
However, reduce water as fruits mature to concentrate sweetness.
Avoid overhead watering, as it can lead to diseases.
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilization
Use organic fertilizers such as compost, fish emulsion, or seaweed extracts to supplement soil nutrients. I typically spray leaves with fish emulsion.
Side-dress the growing plants with compost or well-rotted manure as they start to vine.
Pollination
Like squash watermelons make both male and female flowers. These flowers are different. Males will have a long tubular stem while females have a small bulge at the base of the flower.
Bees are vital for pollinating watermelon flowers. Encourage bee activity by planting pollinator-friendly flowers nearby.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for common watermelon pests like aphids, cucumber beetles, and spider mites. Use natural predators or organic pest control methods to manage infestations.
Cucumber beetles are attracted to watermelons. Adults have yellow and black markings with either stripes or spots. They feed on leaves and vines and can transmit bacterial disease. They lay eggs and the larvae bore into roots and stems causing plants to wither.
Rind worm is an interesting term that we use to describe any larvae pest that burrows in the rind and starts feeding causing a brown or yellow discoloration. Common culprits are the larvae of the cucumber beetle, cutworms, or corn rootworm.
Consider planting disease-resistant watermelon varieties to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
Harvesting
Harvesting watermelons is an art form!
Thumping should produce a low, hollow sound
Monitor the watermelons for signs of ripeness, such as a dull, waxy appearance, or a yellow spot where it rested on the ground.
Use a sharp knife or shears to cut the watermelon from the vine, leaving a few inches of stem attached.
Storing
They don’t have a long shelf life. Store at 45°F (7°C) and 85% relative humidity for 3 weeks.
Ways to Use Watermelon
Watermelon Salad:
Combine diced watermelon with feta cheese, mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a refreshing salad.
Watermelon Salsa:
Create a salsa by mixing diced watermelon with red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Perfect for topping grilled chicken or fish.
Watermelon Smoothie:
Blend watermelon chunks with yogurt, a splash of lime juice, and a handful of berries for a delicious and hydrating smoothie.
Watermelon Gazpacho:
Make a chilled soup by pureeing watermelon with cucumber, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a touch of olive oil.
Watermelon - grilled, gazpacho soup, cocktails, and salsa!
Grilled Watermelon:
Brush watermelon slices with a bit of olive oil and grill them for a unique and smoky flavor. Serve as a side dish or dessert.
Watermelon Popsicles:
Blend watermelon with a bit of honey or agave syrup, pour into popsicle molds, and freeze for a sweet and cooling treat.
Watermelon Sorbet:
Puree watermelon and freeze it for a refreshing sorbet. Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zing.
Watermelon Juice:
Simply juice watermelon and mix it with a splash of lemon or lime for a refreshing beverage.
Watermelon Bruschetta:
Top slices of baguette with a mixture of diced watermelon, feta cheese, and a drizzle of honey for a unique bruschetta.
Watermelon and Mint Infused Water:
Add slices of watermelon and fresh mint to your water for a flavorful and hydrating infusion.
Watermelon and Avocado Salad:
Combine watermelon cubes with diced avocado, red onion, and a lime vinaigrette for a tasty salad.
Watermelon BBQ Sauce:
Mix pureed watermelon with your favorite barbecue sauce ingredients for a sweet and tangy twist.
Ame Vanorio is the founder of Fox Run EEC, still spits watermelon seeds, and is a master gardener. Check out her Author Page on Amazon.
Summer squash are a favorite in many home gardens due to their easy cultivation and prolific harvests. They do fabulous in Zone 6.