Watermelons, Citrullus lanatus, are fun plants to grow and a summer favorite to eat. Watermelon plants progress through 8 distinct growth stages. The watermelon growing stages you’ll be learning about:
- Planting Seeds
- Germination, Sprouting, Seedlings, and Transplanting
- Vegetative Growth, Branching, and Vine Development
- Flower Production
- Pollination
- Setting Fruit and Ripening
- Maturity and Harvesting
- Drying or curing seeds for planting next year
Watermelons, are a summer time favorite that is sweet and refreshing. Let’s deep dive into each of the growing stages of watermelon so you can see how this tiny seed becomes the sweet and refreshing summertime treat.!
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1.) Planting Seeds
Before you even see a sprout, there’s the first stage of watermelon growth: planting the seeds. Make sure to choose a watermelon variety that is recommended for your region. Consider factors like a long growing seasons in warmer climates versus shorter growing seasons in colder regions.
Plant the seeds about an inch deep in early spring, ensuring the soil temperature is just right, ideally above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In cooler climates, consider using black plastic mulch to warm the soil surface.
2.) Germination, Sprouting, Seedlings, and Transplanting
The seed germinates, absorbing water and breaking open to let out a young seedling with embryonic leaves or seed leaves. During this seedling stage, the plant is most vulnerable. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Once the plant develops its first set of true leaves (distinct from the embryonic ones), it’s hearty enough to transplant if you started indoors or to be spaced out appropriately in the garden.
3.) Vegetative Growth, Branching, and Vine Development
Watch the vegetative explosion! The watermelon plants will prioritize growing large leaves to capture sunlight. These large leaves work like solar panels and soak up the sun.
The first vine that grows out is called the main vine. The main vine will then spur the growth of secondary or lateral vines. As the vines sprawl out, they’ll claim more territory. So make sure you’ve given them enough space. If you have a smaller area consider trellising the vines.
4.) Flower Production
The flowering stage begin following vine growth. The plants produce both male and female flowers. While male flowers bloom abundantly, female flowers can be identified by the tiny bulb (ovary) beneath them that will become the watermelon fruit once pollinated.
5.) Pollination
This stage is all about collaboration with nature. Bees do the heavy lifting, transferring pollen from the male to the female flowers. Without this step, you won’t get any watermelon fruit. If you notice fewer bees in your area, consider hand-pollinating using a small brush to transfer the pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers.
6.) Setting Fruit and Ripening
Once pollinated, the ovary of the female flower starts its transformation. The fruit begins as a small, marble-sized ball that grows rapidly, feeding off the plant and the sun. As it grows, it undergoes a color transition from bright green to a darker hue, eventually developing its characteristic stripes or spots, depending on the variety.
7.) Maturity and Harvesting
Patience pays off here. As the fruit approaches full size, its growth slows down. You’ll notice the curly tendrils on the fruit stem turning brown and the base of the melon turning a creamy yellow. The fruit is ready for harvest when it gives a hollow sound upon tapping. Another sign is the ‘ground spot’ – the part touching the soil – which turns from white to yellow when ripe.
8.) Drying or Curing
For those wanting to continue the watermelon story and save seeds for next year.Extract seeds from the most delicious fruit you’ve grown, wash them, and let them dry in a cool, shaded place. Once dried, these seeds are ready for storage and future planting, ensuring you’ve got a new plant to embark on this journey again next season.
From the tiny seeds to the giant, juicy watermelons, the journey of the watermelon plant is a masterclass in nature’s marvel. Each stage presents its own challenges and joys. So, the next time you bite into a slice, remember the mesmerizing dance of growth it has been through. Here’s to many more seasons of growing and relishing watermelon.
Popular Varieties
| Variety | Color | Ideal Temperature | Days to Germination | Days to Maturity | Size | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Baby | Red | 70-90°F | 3-10 days | 75-80 days | 6-10 lbs | Small, round, deep red flesh. |
| Crimson Sweet | Red | 70-90°F | 3-10 days | 80-85 days | 20-25 lbs | Round to oval, dark green stripes. |
| Charleston Gray | Red | 70-90°F | 3-10 days | 80-85 days | 25-30 lbs | Long, oblong, light greenish-gray rind. |
| Jubilee | Red | 70-90°F | 3-10 days | 80-90 days | 25-40 lbs | Elongated, green stripes. |
| Moon and Stars | Pinkish-Red | 70-90°F | 3-10 days | 90-95 days | 20-40 lbs | Dark green rind speckled with yellow spots. |
| Yellow Doll | Yellow | 70-90°F | 3-10 days | 70-75 days | 5-8 lbs | Small, round, bright yellow flesh. |
| Orangeglo | Orange | 70-90°F | 3-10 days | 90-100 days | 20-30 lbs | Deep orange flesh with a tropical flavor. |
| Black Diamond | Red | 70-90°F | 3-10 days | 85-90 days | 30-50 lbs | Dark green rind, sweet red flesh. |
| Carolina Cross | Red | 70-90°F | 3-10 days | 90-100 days | Can exceed 100 lbs | Grown for size, sweet red flesh. |
| Seedless Types | Red | 70-90°F | 3-10 days | 80-85 days | Varies | Deliciously sweet, red flesh without the seeds. |
Watermelon Plant Care Reference Card
| Common Name | Watermelon |
| Botanical Name | Citrillus lunatus |
| Plant Type | Annual Fruiting Vine |
| Size | 9-18 inches tall, vines 10-15 feet |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Well-draining soil |
| Soil pH | 6.0-6.8 |
| Season | Hot weather crop |
| Hardiness Zones | 2-11 |
| Native Area | Western Africa |
| Germination Temperature | 70-80°F (21-27°C) |
| Days to Germinate | 4-12 days |
| Days to Maturity | 70-95 days after sprouting |
Watermelon Growing Stages – Conclusion
Growing watermelons is like crafting a sweet symphony. From the first time you plant the seeds to the end of the growing season when you get to taste the fruit of your labor, it’s a rewarding experience. So, grab some seeds, start the watermelon plant stages, and let the juicy journey begin!
FAQs on Watermelon Plant Stages
Depending on the variety, it can take between 70-90 days.
From flowering, it takes about 30-45 days to fruit.
Initially, yes. But post the seedling stage, they experience rapid growth.
The journey starts with planting seeds, then germination, sprouting, and the growth of seedlings.