Which month is the best to plant watermelons?

Watermelon is widely cultivated in China and is not only a popular summer fruit but also has significant economic value due to its good market demand. However, due to the growth characteristics of watermelon, the planting time varies in different regions. These differences are mainly influenced by local climatic conditions, such as temperature, precipitation and sunshine. So which month is the best to plant watermelons?

Which month is the best to plant watermelons?

Currently, many areas have achieved three-season planting of watermelon, namely spring, summer and autumn. Generally speaking, most areas choose to plant watermelons around mid-March each year. Watermelons planted at this time usually mature and go on the market in June. They are early-maturing varieties and can be sold at a higher price. And since it is summer, there is a great demand in the market. In addition, the watermelons planted in March are in the rainy season during their growth period and have a greater demand for water, which to some extent reduces the labor intensity of manual irrigation.

In the Huanghuaihai region, open-air watermelons are usually planted from late May to early June, so that the watermelons are on the market in summer and are in high demand. Sometimes the sowing is even postponed to early July so that the watermelons grown in this way can be put on the market during the national holidays and the market demand is even stronger. Hainan has a greater impact on watermelon planting, and usually adopts two modes: autumn planting and winter harvesting and winter planting and spring harvesting.

In many protected areas, modern growing methods such as greenhouses , mulching and windbreaks are widely used, and these methods are gaining popularity across the country. Generally speaking, open-air cultivation can begin when the temperature stabilizes at around 20 degrees Celsius. If the temperature has not yet reached suitable conditions, planting can be carried out through insulation measures. Spring planting is usually in early March, autumn in mid-August, and winter planting can be done in early January. These planting patterns enable watermelons to be supplied to the market in different seasons to meet consumer demand.

Watermelon planting tips

Land preparation and fertilization: Before planting, the soil is deeply plowed and dried for 15 days, and 60 kg of quicklime per mu is applied to improve the soil structure. Then break up the soil and level the ridges. Set the ridge height to 40 cm and make a 20 cm slope on one side. Dig a 25 cm deep and 40 cm wide planting ditch on one side of the bed, and apply 1,000 kg of decomposed farmyard manure, 20 kg of compound fertilizer , 2 kg of boron fertilizer, and 4 kg of magnesium sulfate into the ditch, ensuring that the fertilizer is fully mixed with the soil.

Seed treatment: Before sowing, dry the seeds in the sun for two days, then soak them in warm water for 6 hours to activate the seeds. Rinse the seeds with 5% lime water until the surface is smooth, then wash and prepare for sowing. Place the seeds in culture cups, put one seed in each cup, cover with 1 cm thick nutrient soil, cover with film, and keep the temperature in the greenhouse between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius. After the seeds germinate and grow true leaves, gradually lower the temperature to adapt to the natural environment.

Planting: Dig a hole about 50 cm apart on the ridge of the field, place the cultivated watermelon seedlings in the hole, water thoroughly, and cover with a layer of fine soil to retain moisture. This can reduce water evaporation and is beneficial to the growth of watermelon seedlings.

Field management: Watermelon needs to be watered at least 3 to 5 times during its growth period, especially in the vine extension period. When the watermelon grows to the size of a fist, water it with water to promote growth. Be careful not to let water accumulate in the field to avoid affecting root respiration. Watermelon likes fertilizer. In addition to ensuring water, it also needs timely topdressing. It is recommended to apply 20 to 25 kg of urea and 10 to 15 kg of potassium sulfate per mu.

Pruning and vine pressing: Watermelon is pruned using the double vine method, retaining one strong side vine and cutting off the rest. When the vines are 30 cm long, press them down and fix them to the ground with soil to control the growth of the plant.

Harvesting: When the watermelon is ripe, the fruit surface has clear patterns and a shiny surface, the navel and pedicle are shrunk, the tendrils at the fruit-bearing nodes are scorched, the hairs on the fruit stalk are sparse or fall off, and it makes a dull sound when knocked. According to sales demand, watermelons sold locally can be harvested when they are 90% to 10% ripe, while watermelons that need to be transported over long distances are harvested when they are 80% to 90% ripe.

The above is an introduction to the planting time of watermelon. When planting watermelon , you must first consider the planting area, variety, and cultivation mode, which will change the planting time.