Watermelon Questions From Noobie

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
flyinglocksmith Montgomery, TX Jun 16, 2011

Do they need more water than other veggies?
Should I trim any of the super long vines? Some of them are close to 20 feet!
They are ready to pick when stem starts to get brown?

Post #8634306
Quote
Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Jun 16, 2011

No, watermelons are about as drought tolerant as any vegetable. They were born in the desert.
Personally I never trim a vine.
It is the tendril next to the stem which turns brown. Good indicator on many varieties not so Sugar Baby. Black Diamond and other Dark green melons.

Thumbnail by Farmerdill
Post #8634347
Quote
behillman Plantersville, TX(Zone 9a) Jun 17, 2011

I read a good indicator if the melon is ripe, is to thump it. If it sounds hollow, it is ready.

Post #8636367
Quote
catmad Pelzer, SC(Zone 7b) Jun 19, 2011

Farmerdill, any clue how to tell with Sugar Babies? They're trellised, so the bottom spot color is out, as well. Figures I'd pick one I can't tell when to harvest...

Post #8639692
Quote
Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Jun 19, 2011

Wait about a week - 10 days after the tendril dies. The melon should lose its dewy look and be a dull flat green. Hard to describe, but if you compare younger melons with ripe melons you can see the difference. If you have a good ear, you can thump it. again you have to compare

Thumbnail by Farmerdill
Post #8639801
Quote
catmad Pelzer, SC(Zone 7b) Jun 19, 2011

Ah, the image of my dreams:) Thanks, Farmerdill, as always..

Post #8640147
Quote
flyinglocksmith Montgomery, TX Jun 20, 2011

Can't really see the tendril, I will look some more. The same slight color change with melons that are the lighter green with the darker green strips?

Post #8642193
Quote
Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Jun 20, 2011

There are tendrals at each node. These are what the plant uses to climb over obstacles. Only the one next to the fruit stem counts tho. Yes the hue change is common to all. Easier to see on the dark greens. The old folks described it as dew coming off the fruit.

Post #8642422
Quote
Quyen Orange, CA(Zone 10b) Jun 20, 2011

I have also heard that if you press on the blossom end, the bottom, and the rind/skin is hard (doesn't have a give) then it's ripe.

Post #8642640
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP