What to know
Citrullus vulgaris , with their juicy , refreshing flesh and thirst - quenching properties , are a beloved summer staple . Growing your own watermelons can be a rewarding experience , and circularise them is acrucial stepin the appendage . This comprehensive pathfinder will provide you with all theessential knowledgeand technique you require to successfully propagate watermelon vine plants and savor a bountiful harvesting .
Understanding Watermelon Propagation
Watermelon industrial plant can be propagated through twoprimary methods : seeds and cuttings . Seed extension is the most usual and straightforward approach , while cut propagation is often used for specific variety or to preserve desirable trait .
Seed Propagation
1 . Seed Selection : prefer mellow - quality , disease - resistant watermelon seed from a reputable supplier.2 . Seed Scarification : make small-scale nicksin theseed coatusing asharp knifeor sandpaper to enhance germination.3 . Soaking : Soak the germ inwarm waterfor 24 time of day to stimulate germination.4 . Planting : filling seed traysorindividual potswith well - enfeeble potting premix . establish the seeds 1/2 inch deep and encompass them lightly.5 . sprouting : Keep thesoil warm(75 - 85 ° F ) and moist . sprouting typically pass within 5 - 10 day .
Cutting Propagation
1 . Stem Selection : select healthy , disease - free stem from fledged watermelon plants.2 . cut down Preparation : Cut 6 - 8inch stem sectionswith severalleaves attached . take the lower leaves.3 . Rooting : Dip the weakened destruction of the radical inrooting hormoneand industrial plant it in apot filledwith moist , well - drain potting mix.4 . root Environment : Keep thecuttings warm(70 - 75 ° farad ) andprovide eminent humidityby covering them with aplastic bagor humidity dome.5 . Transplanting : Once the cut have developed astrong stem system(typically within 2 - 3 calendar week ) , they can be transplanted into the garden .
Hardening Off Watermelon Seedlings
Beforetransplanting watermelon vine seedlingsor newspaper clipping into the garden , they involve to be harden off to acclimatise them to outdoor conditions.1 . Gradual pic : localise the seedlings or cut outside in asheltered areafor a few hours each day.2 . Increase length : Gradually increasetheexposure timeby an minute or two each day.3 . Full Exposure : After 7 - 10 days , the seedling or cutting should befully acclimatedand quick for transplanting .
Selecting a Planting Site
watermelon vine plants thrive in fond , cheery locationswith well - drain , sandy loam dirt . They call for ample place to spread , so choose aplanting sitethat is at least 6 feet by 6 ft .
Planting Watermelon Seedlings or Cuttings
1 . Spacing : Space the seedling or press cutting 6 feet aside in rows that are 8 feet wide.2 . Planting deepness : Plant the seedlings or slip at the same depth they were farm in their containers.3 . Mulching : Spread a level of mulch around the plants toretain moistureand suppress gage .
Care and Maintenance
1 . tearing : piddle watermelon plants deeplyand regularly , specially during hot , dry weather.2 . fertilise : fertilise the plant with abalanced fertilizerevery 2 - 3 weeks.3 . Pollination : Citrullus vulgaris plants are monoecious , meaning they have both male and female heyday on the same plant . Assist pollination bygently shakingthe vine or using asoft brushtotransfer pollenfrom male to distaff flowers.4 . Pest andDisease Control : Monitor theplants regularlyfor pests and disease and take appropriatecontrol measuresas needed .
Harvesting Watermelon
Watermelons are quick to harvest when the rind is hard and the bottom of thefruit turnsfrom lily-white to yellow . Tap the watermelon with your finger ; aripe melonwill sound hollow .
Wrapping Up
Propagating watermelon plants is a rewarding cognitive operation that allows you to grow your own delicious , homegrown watermelons . By abide by thesteps outlinedin this guide , you cansuccessfully propagate watermelon plantsand enjoy a bountiful harvest of thisrefreshing summer yield . Remember to allow for your plants with the necessary tending and care to check their optimal growth and productivity .
FAQ
Q : What is the good prison term to circularise watermelon plants?A : The ideal time topropagate Citrullus vulgaris plantsis inlate springor former summer . Q : Can Ipropagate watermelon plantsfrom storage - bought watermelons?A : While it is possible topropagate watermelon vine plantsfrom store - buy watermelons , the seeds may not be viable or produce plants with desirable traits . Q : How long does it take forwatermelon seedlingsto germinate?A : Watermelon seedlings typically germinatewithin 5 - 10 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . Q : How often should I water watermelon plants?A : Watermelon plantsshould bewatered deeplyand on a regular basis , especially during hot , dry weather . Q : What is the good fertiliser for watermelon plants?A : Watermelon plant benefitfrom abalanced fertilizerwith a ratio of 10 - 10 - 10 .
