How long does it take for a watermelon to grow to full size?

How long does it take for a watermelon to grow to full size?

It takes the shortest amount of time to mature, about 70 to 75 days. A main-season watermelon is larger and takes longer to ripen, usually 80 to 90 days.

How do you speed up the growth of a watermelon?

To maximize the size of the melons, water the plants at the base in regular, deep-watering sessions that keep the soil moist. Side dress the watermelon plants with fertilizer designed for edible crops or compost tea to feed the plants. The fertilizer encourages growth to get larger melons.

Does watermelon grow overnight?

Watermelon Plant Stages and Temperatures Watermelons grown where nighttime temperatures drop below 50 F lose flavor. The plants often drop flowers and do not set fruit when daytime temperatures are 90 F or higher for several days. Watermelons require 65 to 90 frost-free days to develop fully.

Do watermelons come back every year?

As annual plants, watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) must be replanted every season and will not survive the winter either as seedlings or fully grown plants. Watermelons require warm weather to grow quickly and produce their sweet, juicy fruit.

How can you tell if a watermelon is male or female?

The male flowers appear first on the plant and the female flowers follow a week or two later. It’s easy to tell the difference between the two. A male flower will connect directly to the vine while a female flower will have a bulb behind the flower. The bulb behind the flower looks like a miniature watermelon.

What is the secret to growing watermelons?

Watermelons need a long growing season (at least 80 days) and warm ground for seeds to germinate and grow. Soil should be 70 degrees F or warmer at planting time. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and keep well watered until germination.

What month do you start planting watermelon?

Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70° F or above. Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.

How late is too late for watermelon?

Planting Times In warmer climates, like Texas and the hotter areas of California, planting time for watermelons is December through early July, although April through July is more common. Harvest time ranges early-summer to mid-fall; some varieties may ripen in 90 days or less and are known as “early” varieties.