Watching your watermelon plant produce flowers is exciting, but the real anticipation begins afterward. So, how long until you can enjoy that juicy fruit? After a flower is successfully pollinated, it generally takes approximately 30 to 45 days for a watermelon to grow and ripen. This timeframe can change based on the specific watermelon variety, weather conditions, and the care you provide. Understanding the process helps you know exactly what to expect on the journey to a sweet harvest.
The Critical Flowering and Pollination Phase
Before any fruit can grow, the flowers must do their job. This stage is fundamental to your entire watermelon harvest. Without successful pollination, the small fruit at the base of the female flower will simply wither and fall off the vine.
Watermelon plants produce separate male and female flowers. You can easily tell them apart: female flowers have a tiny, unfertilized fruit (an ovary) at their base, while male flowers are attached to the vine by a simple, thin stem. For fruit to develop, pollen must be transferred from a male flower to the stigma of a female flower.
This transfer is almost exclusively done by pollinators, with bees being the most important. To encourage a healthy population of bees in your garden, avoid using pesticides, especially in the morning when flowers are open and bees are most active. Planting other bee-friendly flowers nearby can also help attract these essential helpers to your watermelon patch.
Key Factors that Influence Watermelon Growth Time
While 30 to 45 days is a good average, several key factors can either speed up or slow down your watermelon’s development. Optimizing these conditions is the best way to ensure a timely and delicious harvest. Paying attention to these elements gives your plant the best chance to thrive.
The environment and the care you provide play a huge role. A happy plant in ideal conditions will produce fruit much more efficiently than a plant that is stressed or struggling for resources.
Here are the most critical factors to manage:
- Temperature and Sunlight: Watermelons are heat-loving plants. They grow best in temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C). They also need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct, full sunlight each day to produce the energy needed for fruit development.
- Soil Quality: Rich, well-draining soil is a must. Watermelons prefer a sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Mixing in compost or well-rotted manure before planting boosts fertility and helps the soil retain moisture.
- Watering: Consistent moisture is crucial, especially as the fruit is growing. A watermelon needs about 1-2 inches of water per week. Water the base of the plant deeply to encourage strong roots and avoid getting the leaves wet, which can lead to fungal diseases.
- Nutrition: A balanced fertilizer helps fuel growth. Use a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium during the flowering and fruiting stages to encourage fruit development rather than just vine growth.
Tracking the Growth: from Tiny Fruit to Full Size
Once a female flower is pollinated, the tiny fruit at its base will begin to swell. This is the sign that your watermelon is on its way! The growth journey can be broken down into a few distinct stages.
In the first few weeks, the growth is rapid. You might notice the small green orb doubling in size every few days. This is the early development stage where the basic structures are formed. Following this, the growth rate slows as the fruit enters the maturation stage, where it focuses on accumulating sugars and developing its classic flavor and texture.
| Growth Stage | Time After Pollination | Key Developments |
|---|---|---|
| Early Development | 1 to 3 Weeks | The fruit sets and begins to grow rapidly. The rind is soft and fragile during this period. |
| Fruit Maturation | 4 to 6+ Weeks | Growth in size slows down. The fruit accumulates sugars, the rind hardens, and the signature stripes or color pattern develops. |
How to Tell When Your Watermelon is Ready to Harvest
Harvesting a watermelon at the perfect moment is the key to getting the sweetest, juiciest flavor. Picking it too early results in a bland, unripe fruit, while waiting too long can lead to a mushy, overripe texture. Fortunately, the plant gives you several clear signs that it’s time to harvest.
Don’t rely on size alone, as different varieties mature at different sizes. Instead, look for a combination of these reliable indicators to make your decision.
- Check the Tendril: Look at the small, curly tendril on the vine closest to the watermelon’s stem. When this tendril turns brown and dries up, the watermelon is usually ripe. This is one of the most accurate signs.
- Inspect the Ground Spot: The spot where the watermelon rests on the ground is called the ground spot. On an unripe melon, this spot is white or pale green. As the melon ripens, the spot will turn a creamy yellow or golden color.
- Look at the Rind’s Sheen: A growing watermelon often has a shiny or glossy appearance. As it ripens, the surface of the rind will become dull or matte.
- Give It a Thump: Tap the watermelon firmly with your knuckles. A ripe melon will produce a deep, hollow sound. An unripe melon will have a higher-pitched, dull thud.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid During Fruit Development
Even with the best care, problems can arise while your watermelon is growing. Being aware of potential issues can help you address them quickly to protect your harvest. Pests, diseases, and improper care can all hinder the development of your fruit.
One common issue is blossom-end rot, which appears as a dark, sunken spot on the end of the fruit opposite the stem. This is usually caused by a calcium deficiency or inconsistent watering. Ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged can help prevent it.
Pests like aphids and cucumber beetles can also damage the vines and fruit. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of infestation. Diseases such as powdery mildew, which looks like a white powder on the leaves, can reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, slowing fruit growth. Ensure good air circulation around your plants to help prevent fungal diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watermelons can you get from one plant?
Typically, a healthy watermelon plant will produce two to four melons. Some smaller, “icebox” varieties may produce more, while larger varieties like the ‘Carolina Cross’ may only produce one or two giant fruits per vine.
Why are my watermelon flowers falling off without making fruit?
This is usually because the flowers are not being pollinated. It could also be that the first flowers to appear are male flowers; female flowers typically show up a week or two later. A lack of bee activity is the most common reason for failed pollination.
Should I turn my growing watermelons?
It’s not necessary, but you can gently turn the melon every week or so to help the ground spot get some sun and encourage a more uniform rind color. Be very careful not to damage the stem or vine when doing this.
Can a watermelon ripen after it has been picked?
No, unlike some other fruits, watermelons do not continue to ripen after they are harvested. They may get softer, but they will not get any sweeter. This is why it’s so important to pick them when they are fully ripe on the vine.
What happens if you overwater a watermelon?
Overwatering can lead to several problems, including root rot and fungal diseases. It can also cause the fruit to have a bland, watery flavor, as the plant’s sugars become diluted. It is best to water deeply but infrequently.
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