Natural, Untreated and GMO-Free Seeds
EXPOSURE: Watermelons need full sun to thrive. Plants can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates, but plenty of sun is needed to develop the fruit’s sugars. Excessively shady conditions will reduce the number and size of fruits.
WATERING: Watering is very important, from planting until fruit formation. When transplanting, water with a transplant fertilizer rich in phosphorus. As watermelon plants grow, flower and fruit, they need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water at the base of the vine in the morning, and try to avoid wetting the leaves and avoid overhead watering. Reduce watering once the fruit grows. Dry weather produces the sweetest melons.
FEED: Amend soil with aged manure, seaweed and/or compost before planting. Watermelons are hungry plants, which means they need fertile, nutrient-rich soil. When fertilizing, be sure to provide more nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium, as this will encourage leaf and vine growth. However, after flowering begins, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen to encourage flowers and fruit.
Watermelons do not continue to ripen after being picked, so harvest timing is important. They usually ripen over a period of two weeks, so keep an eye on them. Hit the fruit. If the watermelon sounds hollow, it is ripe. Look at the color on top. The watermelon is ripe when there is little contrast between the stripes. Look at the color at the bottom. An immature watermelon will have a white background; a ripe melon will have a cream or yellow background. The stems should be cut with a sharp knife close to the fruit.
