When is the best season to plant watermelons?

Watermelon , an annual climbing vine , is a popular fruit in summer. The flesh is usually bright red, sweet and has cooling properties. Watermelon is not only delicious, but also rich in protein, vitamins and other nutrients, so it enjoys a very high demand in the market. In view of its huge consumption potential, many farmers tend to choose to grow watermelons as an effective way to increase their economic income. Let’s learn and understand together what is the best season to plant watermelons?

When is the best season to plant watermelons?

The best season for growing watermelons is usually spring, but the exact time varies depending on the geographic location, climate conditions, and cultivation methods.

Temperature requirements: Watermelon prefers warm and dry climate and is not cold-resistant. The optimum temperature for growth and development is 24-30 degrees Celsius, the optimum temperature for root growth and development is 30-32 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature for root hair occurrence is 14 degrees Celsius.

Open field cultivation: For watermelons grown in the open field in early spring, the appropriate time for sowing is when the local temperature is stable at around 15°C. Generally speaking, the best time for sowing should also take into account factors such as variety, planting season, cultivation method and expected consumption season.

Facility cultivation : In facility cultivation, such as plastic greenhouses or solar greenhouses, early cultivation can be achieved, and in some areas, production can even be achieved throughout the year. For example, in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River (such as Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shanghai, etc.), sowing is generally carried out from late January to February of the following year, and harvesting begins in early to mid-May.

Three-season planting: In some areas, watermelon can be planted in spring, summer and autumn. But in most places, the best time to plant watermelons is around mid-March each year.

Watermelon field management technology

Water management: Watermelon needs to be watered at least 2 to 3 times during the entire growing period. Especially after the vines stretch, the water requirement increases and "vine-stretching water" should be applied in time. When the young watermelons grow to the size of a fist, water them well to ensure the yield and quality of the watermelons. Stop watering one week before harvest to prevent fruit cracking and reduce sugar content.

Fertilization management: Watermelon is a fertilizer-loving crop, and reasonable fertilization is an important measure to ensure high quality and high yield of watermelon. Generally, no fertilizer is applied to promote the growth of seedlings during the seedling stage. If wilted or dead seedlings are found, appropriate amounts of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can be applied. The vine fertilizer is mainly nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented with potassium fertilizer to promote nutritional growth. Before the fruit expansion period, applying quick-acting fertilizers, mainly potassium and nitrogen fertilizers, is beneficial to the formation of fruit yield and improvement of quality.

Pruning and vine pressing: Use double or triple vine pruning. In addition to retaining the main vine, choose a strong side vine at the base of the main vine and remove the remaining side vines. Pressing down the vines can fix the melon vines, prevent them from being blown over by the wind, and control their growth.

Artificial assisted pollination: Artificial pollination is necessary to ensure that female flowers at appropriate nodes bear fruit. The third female flower on the main vine or the second female flower on the side vine has the best quality and the highest yield.

Fruit setting and retention: When the young fruit grows to the size of steamed buns, the fruit begins to swell rapidly and generally stops falling at this time. It is necessary to promptly select fruits with good node positions and correct fruit shapes, and retain one fruit on each plant.

Pest and disease control: The main diseases include wilt, anthracnose, viral disease, powdery mildew, blight, etc. The main insect pests include cutworms, aphids, red spiders, yellow melon, melon maggots, leaf miners, etc. Prevention and control methods include agricultural prevention and control, chemical prevention and control, such as the use of carbendazim, imidacloprid and other agents.

To sum up, the most suitable season for planting watermelon is usually spring, but the specific sowing time should be determined according to local climatic conditions and cultivation techniques. Under suitable temperature and light conditions, watermelons can grow better and produce high-quality fruits.