When should watermelons be planted?

The open field cultivation of watermelons is carried out without additional protection measures. Since climatic conditions vary significantly in different regions, sowing times also vary accordingly. In the warmer south, sowing is usually done earlier due to higher temperatures; in the colder north, sowing is done relatively late. However, if early-maturing varieties are used for cultivation, the sowing time in northern regions can also be advanced.

When direct seeding outdoors in spring, the appropriate time for sowing is usually after the last frost, when the local temperature stabilizes at around 15°C. The specific time of sowing also needs to consider factors such as variety characteristics, planting season, planting methods and market demand. Let’s take a look at the specific months when watermelons should be planted.

When should watermelons be planted?

The timing of watermelon planting depends on two main factors: variety characteristics and temperature conditions.

Variety characteristics:

For early-maturing varieties, which usually mature and are available in early July, it is recommended to start sowing in mid-to-late March.

It is a medium to late maturing variety, expected to be harvested in late July to early August, and should be sown around mid-to-late April.

Autumn watermelons, i.e. those varieties that mature in September or October, should be planted between late June and mid-July.

Temperature conditions:

Watermelon has specific temperature requirements. It likes high temperatures but not low temperatures. Seed germination requires a temperature of at least 15°C (the optimal germination temperature is 25-28°C), root growth requires a temperature of at least 15°C, seedling growth requires a temperature of at least 22°C, and flowering and fruiting periods require a temperature of at least 25°C, and a larger temperature difference between day and night is required to accumulate sugars.

Therefore, the earliest time for sowing watermelons in spring should be when the soil temperature reaches above 15°C to ensure that the seeds can germinate. However, in order to promote rapid and uniform emergence of watermelons, it is recommended to wait until the soil temperature rises to 18-20℃ or higher before sowing, and the soil temperature should not be lower than 15℃ during sowing.

What kind of land is suitable for growing watermelon?

Although watermelon is highly adaptable and can grow in a variety of soil conditions, soil conditions have a significant impact on its growth, yield, and quality.

The ideal watermelon growing soil should have the following characteristics:

Soil texture: Sandy or loose soil rich in humus is preferred. This type of soil has good drainage and air permeability, while heavy or low-lying soil is not conducive to the growth of watermelon.

Soil fertility: The soil should be rich in organic matter, loose and fertile to support the healthy growth of watermelon. Shallow or poor soil is not suitable for growing watermelons .

Light conditions: The plot should be selected in a well-ventilated and sunny location to ensure that the watermelon gets enough light to promote photosynthesis.

Soil pH: The soil pH value suitable for watermelon growth should be close to neutral or slightly alkaline. Soil that is too acidic or alkaline or soil with too high salt content is not conducive to watermelon growth.

Topography and drainage: Choose a plot of land with higher terrain and good drainage to avoid problems of water accumulation and high groundwater levels and ensure convenient irrigation.

Crop rotation system: Avoid continuous planting of watermelons or planting them in succession with melon and fruit crops. It is recommended to choose plots that have not been planted with flowering and fruiting crops in the past 2-3 years, or land where the previous crop was grass crops, in order to reduce competition for pests and diseases and soil nutrients.

The above is a detailed introduction to the months for sowing watermelons. Everyone must pay more attention to the key points mentioned in the article. If you want to learn other knowledge, you can continue to ask questions.