Why are my Watermelons Shriveling?

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MathiasB McKinney, TX(Zone 8a) Jul 22, 2009

This is my second year trying to grow watermelons. I can't figure out what my problem is through regular google searching, so I was hoping someone has seen this before and could lend some helpful advice. Thanks!

-Matt

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MathiasB McKinney, TX(Zone 8a) Jul 22, 2009

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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Jul 23, 2009

That is abortion due to incomplete pollination. Takes a lot of bee visits to pollinate watermelon. You may have to resort to hand pollination.

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MathiasB McKinney, TX(Zone 8a) Jul 23, 2009

Thanks Farmerdill!

I wasn't sure if maybe my soil was not providing the needed nutrients, but I think you are probably right. I haven't seen as many insects around as I would normally like. And my other fruits/veggies (especially Zucchini) are having similar problems. I am just surprised that the watermelons could get so big before aborting.

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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Jul 23, 2009

Every seed has to be pollinated. If the majority don't. then you can get fruits with varied growth pattern. The part with pollinated seeds grows but the rest does not. Total lack of pollination results in fruits aborted early before growth takes place. You usually get some but in most cases later setting ones will do fine. Sometimes it just takes time for the insects to find them..

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feldon30 Houston, TX(Zone 9a) Jul 26, 2009

Time to get out there and find male flowers, pick off the petals, and rub the "male parts" into the female flowers. If I didn't do this, I wouldn't get early cucumbers. Or you could try a small artist's paintbrush.

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