How to prune watermelon

Watermelon pruning time

Watermelons are generally pruned from late June to early July, which is their period of vigorous growth. Timely pruning helps increase the fruit set rate.

How to prune watermelon branches and leaves

1. Single vine pruning method

  Single vine pruning: When the main vine grows to about 50 cm, the main vine is retained and all side vines are removed. It is generally used for early maturing cultivation in the north where the growth period is shorter.

2. Double vine pruning method

  Double vine pruning is to select a side branch at the base of the plant, grow parallel to the main vine, and then remove all side vines. It is widely used in early-maturing cultivation areas in the south and north.

3. Three-vine pruning method

  Triple pruning is to select two side vines at the base of the watermelon plant, growing parallel to the main vine, and then remove all side vines.

4. Pruning method for multiple vines

  Multi-vine pruning is to place the growth point of the main watermelon vine at the top when 5 to 6 leaves grow on the main vine. After the side branches are formed, 4 to 5 strong side branches are selected to grow parallel to the surrounding or both sides, and use the side branches to bear fruit. This pruning method is suitable for vigorous growing varieties and sparse plantings.

Watermelon Pruning Tips

Watermelon pruning mainly involves the rational management of the vines, retaining the branches with good growth, and pruning away the dense, crossed, old, diseased and insect-infested branches.

Regularly pruning branches and pressing vines of watermelons can make the vines grow reasonably distributed, and can also ensure that its main vine can absorb sufficient nutrients and promote its growth rate.

Watermelon pruning results in more

During the growth process, it is necessary to promptly prune and remove vines that are not growing well, retaining the healthy ones. If they bear fruit, the remaining fruits need to be removed.

Watermelon pruning precautions

1. Pruning should make the stems and leaves even and avoid dense closure. When the vines are elongated, the fruits should be pruned in time when the fruits are swollen. This extreme stem can grow 0 to 15cm per day.

2. Pruning should be done on sunny days to avoid withering of stems and leaves in the morning. Rainy days can easily cause virus infection in the wounds.

3. Pruning should ensure that the leaves are 30 days old, which provides maximum nutrition for young leaves.

4. Do not prune one side of the vine too early. The growth of the roots requires energy from the stems and leaves. Late lateral vines can promote its development to the roots.