Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Watermelon seeds
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
• six to 12 healthy plants
• fruits at eating-ripeness stage
POLLINATION NOTES
Watermelons are monoecious, but, as with cucumbers, some more recent vari-
eties are dioecious. All varieties, including the citron melon, can cross with one another. To avoid
cross-pollination by insects, especially bees, observe an isolation distance of at least 500 ft. (150 m)
between different watermelon varieties. Otherwise, hand pollination is necessary (follow advice given
for squash). Under ideal weather conditions, where plants are not under stress, hand pollination of wa-
termelon is 50-75% successful. Use the first available flowers for pollination. The exception is late-
ripening varieties, which cast off 90% of their first flowers; use the next flowers in that case. It can of-
ten be difficult to determine which flowers will open the next day, so use insect-proof bags instead of
tape to close flowers or even to cover entire vines.
The unmistakable fruit and leaves of the watermelon
GROWING FOR SEED
As typical subtropical plants, watermelons need lots of heat, more so than mel-
ons. They are sensitive to low (nighttime) temperatures and need a long, warm, mostly dry growing
season. Watermelons are heavy feeders and are not to be pruned. In temperate climates, only one to
three fruits per plant should be left to ripen.
HARVEST
Seeds are usually ripe before the fruit is completely ripe for eating, even when the seeds are
still white or light brown. Ripeness is best determined by checking the tendril on the fruit on the op-
posite end of the stem; the fruit is ripe when this tendril has become brown and dry. Clean and dry the
seeds. The ripe seeds spat out from eaten watermelons can also be saved and used. It is not necessary
to ferment watermelon seeds. Citron melon seeds (see sidebar) must be pulled out individually from
the hard flesh of the fruit. Seeds often do not darken until put into storage.
