When to plant watermelons?

Open-air cultivation of watermelon refers to cultivation without greenhouses or other protective facilities. Since climatic conditions vary significantly in different regions, the planting time of watermelon also varies accordingly. In the warmer southern regions, planting times are usually earlier due to higher temperatures in early spring. In contrast, in northern regions, sowing times are often later due to lower spring temperatures. However, if early-maturing varieties are used for cultivation, the sowing time can be appropriately advanced. Let’s learn in detail below: When is the right time to plant watermelons?

When to plant watermelons?

Cultivation and time arrangement of small arch greenhouse watermelon : Small arch greenhouse watermelon usually adopts the method of transplanting seedlings. The seedling raising time is around February 15th, and transplanting and planting are carried out in mid-to-late March. Select watermelon seedlings with 3 true leaves and 1 heart leaf, plant them at a spacing of 50 cm, and cover them with greenhouse film. The side film should be compacted with soil to ensure sealing, while the planting area on the left does not need to be sealed and should be watered thoroughly once. When the temperature in the shed is too high during the day, appropriate ventilation is needed. When the temperature reaches 17 degrees Celsius, the greenhouse film can be lowered. Weed and fertilize regularly.

Red Jade Watermelon Cultivation and Timing: Red Jade Watermelon is an early-maturing and cold-resistant variety suitable for the seed soaking and germination method. The sowing time is usually in early to mid-March, or early April in clear weather. The recommended planting density is 600 to 800 plants per acre (667 square meters). The fruits ripen in early July. There is no need to water when there is a lot of rain in spring, but attention should be paid to irrigation when the weather is hot and dry. Watermelons that are 90% ripe are suitable for picking and storing.

Cultivation and timing of wheat stubble watermelon: Wheat stubble watermelon is a late-maturing variety. The germination method is soaking seeds, and the sowing time is mid-May. After sowing, cover with 2 cm of fine soil, and use plastic film to keep warm at night, and cover it during the day to dissipate heat. Pruning should be carried out 15 days after transplanting, using the two-vine pruning method to stabilize growth. Pay attention to prevent rain and waterlogging. When the watermelon fruit is close to the size of a fist, apply urea, potassium sulfate and multi-compound fertilizer in the proportions of 5, 10, and 15 kilograms. If the plant grows too vigorously, it needs to be topped in time to promote fruit setting.

Potted watermelon cultivation and time arrangement: Potted watermelon also uses the seed soaking germination method. After the seedlings emerge from the soil, carry out normal watering management, watering about every 5 to 7 days. Apply compound fertilizer to the potting soil when planting to promote growth. The soil should be loose and have good permeability. The container for potted watermelons should be larger, about 50 cm in height and 32 cm in diameter, with drainage holes at the bottom. Ensure 4 hours of light every day, with the best time being 8 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.

Three-dimensional watermelon cultivation and time arrangement: Three-dimensional watermelon adopts the seed soaking and germination method, and later combines it with greenhouse vine hanging technology to allow the watermelon vines to climb along the nylon rope to achieve three-dimensional planting. This method ensures that the watermelons receive light evenly, thus increasing yield. The planting time depends on the variety, with early-maturing varieties in March and April and very late-maturing varieties in July and August.

Cultivation and timing of Zhenyoumei watermelon: Zhenyoumei watermelon can be grown in a greenhouse or in natural fields. When planting in a greenhouse, transplanting is adopted, and the method is similar to that of planting in a small arch greenhouse. Natural field seeds are grown using the seed soaking and germination method, which is the same method used to grow watermelons on wheat stubble. Planting time is usually in March, April or May.

Watermelon Planting Tips

Seed treatment and germination: First, place the watermelon seeds in the sun for two hours to increase seed vitality. Next, soak the seeds in warm water at 30 degrees Celsius for about four hours to promote water absorption by the seeds. After washing and drying the seeds, place them in a warm environment of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius for germination. It is recommended to use nutrient cups for seedling cultivation.

Land Selection and Preparation: Choosing a suitable site for open field watermelon cultivation is crucial. The ideal soil should be rich in organic matter, and sandy loam is especially suitable for growing watermelons. Choose a plot of land that is slightly higher and convenient for irrigation, and deep plow the soil and dry it in the sun. After fertilizing, till the soil again and use a harrow to create a planting bed 60 to 70 cm wide and 15 to 20 cm high, making sure the field is level.

Planting: When planting, maintain a row spacing of about 1.6 meters and a plant spacing of 0.4 to 0.5 meters to ensure that the number of plants per acre is controlled at around 800 plants to facilitate plant growth and fruit development.

Field management: When the watermelon vines begin to grow, 1 to 2 well-growing side vines should be retained at the base, and other redundant vines should be cut off. Use scissors disinfected with thiophanate solution for pruning, and avoid removing directly with your hands. Artificial pollination is carried out between 6am and 9am during the flowering period to increase the fruit setting rate of watermelons. At the same time, we must pay close attention to the occurrence of diseases and pests, and use chemical agents for prevention and control in a timely manner.

The above is an introduction to the time and techniques for watermelon planting. Different varieties of watermelon have different maturity periods, and the local environment also needs to be considered.