Seeds were brought to the U.S. by enslaved Africans.
Watermelon is a sprawling, prostate vining plantwith large, lobed leaves with a hairy, coarse texture.
They bloom with yellow flowers in mid- to late-summer.
The Spruce / K. Dave
The deliciously edible fruits with thick rinds grow and ripen quickly for harvest in late summer and early fall.
Each plant produces two to four watermelon fruits.
Seeds need warm soil to germinate.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Outdoor soil can be warmed to the necessary 70 degrees by covering it with black plastic.
Plant four to five seeds in the center of the hill, about 1 inch deep.
When the seeds sprout, thin them out, leaving two or three plants per hill.
The Spruce / K. Dave
If planting from nursery seedlings or seeds started indoors, plant two transplants per hill.
In cooler climates, row covers can be used to keep young plants warm.
Keep the area weed-free through the growing season.
The Spruce / K. Dave
If necessary, row covers can be put in place to protect the plants late in the season.
You will generally get only two to four watermelons per vine.
Watermelon Care
Light
Watermelons require full sunlight so that thrive.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Excessively shady conditions will reduce the number and size of the fruits.
Soil
Watermelons grow well in almost any well-draining rich soil.
A mildly acidic to neutralsoil pHof 6.0 to 6.8. is best.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Heavily amending the soil with plenty of organic matter before planting is advised, as these are heavy feeders.
Water
Watermelons need regular watering when first transplanted.
Their roots are relatively deep and they can withstand short dry periods.
In fact, they will lose sweetness if given too much water.
Temperature and Humidity
Watermelons prefer hot growing conditions, 80 degrees Fahrenheit and higher.
They will do equally well in humid and arid conditions provided soil moisture is adequate.
Fertilizer
Watermelon plants are heavy feeders.
confirm your soil is well amended withorganic matterbefore planting.
To keep watermelons growing steadily, side dress at mid-season with a layer of compost.
Cut watermelon should be refrigerated and only keeps for a few days.
Don’t store uncut melons in the refrigerator.
Opt for a cool room (45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit), if possible.
In this environment, uncut melons will keep for up to two weeks.
Common Pests and Diseases
The biggest watermelon pest is the cucumber beetle.
Monitor for the eggs early.
If you are using row covers, you will exclude many of them from the vines.
Watermelons are also prone tovine borers,aphids, and mites.
If these diseases are prevalent, choose resistantvarieties of watermelon.
Watermelons can be prone to powdery mildew, but this is rarely seriousonly unsightly.
