Watermelons are not only tasty but also healthy. They are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and water, which can help you stay hydrated and prevent dehydration. Plus, they have a low-calorie count, which makes them a great snack for weight loss. But did you know that you can also grow your watermelons from seeds? Yes, you heard it right, planting watermelon seeds in your home garden.
It’s not as hard as you might think, and it can be a fun activity for you and your family. In this blog post, I will show you how to plant watermelon seeds, how to care for them, and how to harvest them when they are ripe. By following these simple steps, you will be able to enjoy fresh and juicy watermelons from your backyard!
Contents
When to Plant Watermelon Seeds?
The best time to plant watermelon seeds is in the late spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up and temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the seeds will germinate quickly and the plants will have enough time to mature before the first frost in the fall.
Watermelons require a long growing season (about 80-90 days from sowing the seeds), and they want absolutely nothing to do with cool weather. It is recommended to plant your watermelon seeds directly into the garden after the soil has warmed. Or you can start them early indoors in pots or flats, which can give you an earlier harvest.
There are many varieties of watermelon you can grow, from small, round, ‘personal’ types to large heirlooms like ‘Black Diamond’.
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How to Plant Watermelon Seeds?
Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing fruit that can be grown in your backyard. However, watermelon plants require some special care and attention to produce sweet and juicy fruits. Here are a few steps to plant watermelon seeds and grow them successfully.
1. Mound Soil
Watermelon plants need well-drained and fertile soil to thrive. To prepare the soil, you need to create mounds of soil that are about 3 feet wide and 1 foot high. These mounds will provide drainage and warmth for the seeds and roots. You can also add some compost or manure to the soil to enrich it with nutrients.
2. Plant Watermelon Seeds
We have an idea, watermelon seeds require warm temperatures to germinate. So you should plant them after the last frost date in your area. You can sow the seeds directly in the mounds, or start them indoors in peat pots and transplant them later. We recommend you plant 3 to 4 seeds per mound, about 1 inch deep. Provide space about 6 to 8 feet apart to allow room for the vines to spread.
3. Add Water
You should water them regularly, especially during dry spells. However, avoid overwatering or watering the leaves, as this can cause fungal diseases. A good rule of thumb is to water the plants deeply once a week, or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
4. Thin the Seedlings
Once the seeds germinate, you need to thin the seedlings to avoid overcrowding and competition. Keep only one or two healthy plants per mound, and remove the rest. You can also pinch off the tips of the vines to encourage branching and fruiting.
5. Fertilize Regularly
Watermelon plants benefit from regular fertilization to boost their growth and yield. You can use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, or a high-nitrogen fertilizer. Plus, you should apply the fertilizer every two weeks, following the label instructions. However, avoid over-fertilizing or fertilizing too close to the plants, as this can burn the roots or reduce the sweetness of the fruits.
6. Train the Vines
Your watermelon vines can grow up to 20 feet long, and they can take up a lot of space in your garden. To save space and prevent diseases, you can train the vines to grow on a trellis, a fence, or a stake. This will also improve the air circulation and sunlight exposure for the plants. Or, you can use soft ties or clips to attach the vines to the support and prune any excess or diseased vines.
7. Support the Fruits
To prevent the fruits from falling or cracking, you can support them with slings, nets, or baskets. Using any sturdy and breathable material, such as cloth, mesh, or wire, will also help to make the slings. You should also check the slings regularly and adjust them as the fruits grow.
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How to Harvest Watermelon Seeds?
Harvesting watermelon seeds is a simple process that can help you grow your watermelons in the future. So, here are the basic steps you need to follow if you want to harvest your watermelon seeds.
- Firstly, select an open-pollinated variety of watermelon, not a hybrid one. As hybrid seeds may not produce true to-type.
- Pick the watermelon when it is fully ripe.
- Then store the watermelon in a cool, dry place for three weeks. It allows the seeds to mature fully.
- It’s time to cut the watermelon and scoop out the seeds along with the flesh. Make sure to discard any white or shriveled seeds and keep only the black or brown ones.
- Followed by rinsing the seeds to remove the pulp. You can also soak the seeds in water for a few hours and skim off the floating pulp.
- Spread the seeds on a paper towel or a coffee filter and let them dry in a sunny spot for a few days.
- Lastly, store the seeds in a paper envelope or a glass jar in a cool, dark place until you are ready to plant them.
FAQs
Can you eat watermelon seeds?
Yes, you can eat watermelon seeds. They are perfectly edible and non-toxic. In addition, these seeds are a good source of protein, healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins. Generally, it has been observed that people eat them raw, roasted, sprouted, or ground.
Are watermelon seeds good for you?
Watermelon seeds are good for you as they have many health benefits. They can improve your skin and hair health, support your heart and immune system, lower your blood sugar levels, boost your energy, and, more.
Can dogs eat watermelon seeds?
Dogs can eat watermelon seeds, but only in small amounts. Watermelon seeds are not toxic to dogs, but they can cause digestive problems if eaten in large quantities. Therefore, it is better to remove the seeds before giving watermelon to your dog.
When to plant watermelon seeds in Texas?
The best time to plant watermelon seeds in Texas is from late March to early May, depending on your location and the variety of watermelon. This fruit needs warm soil and air temperatures to germinate and grow well. So, you can start the seeds indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date. Or sow them directly in the ground after the danger of frost has passed.
How long do watermelon seeds last?
Watermelon seeds can last for several years if stored properly. The average shelf life of watermelon seeds is about 4 to 5 years, but some seeds can remain viable for up to 10 years or more. Well, the germination rate of watermelon seeds decreases with time, so it is advisable to use fresh seeds whenever possible.
Hello, I’m Rose Lehman, the content writer of cozynest. I have been a gardener for over 5 years, and I have a certificate in master gardening from the Oregon State University Extension Service. I enjoy writing about all aspects of gardening, from the basics to the advanced, and from the practical to the creative. I also love to explore different types of gardens, cultures, and styles, and share them with our readers. My goal is to inspire and inform our audience, and help them grow their own cozynest.
