How Can I Produce Larger Watermelons?

Did you give your watermelon seedlings a lot of space for growth (at least 4 feet-by-6 feet)?

Did you provide the right amount of water and nutrients for your watermelons?

Do you search for pests and diseases regularly??

Do you know when to harvest your watermelons?

A planting area at least 4 feet-by-6 feet gives larger watermelon varieties the space they need to grow fully. This gives the plant enough space to trail as it grows without being crowded. Bush or icebox varieties grow well in smaller spaces but produce much smaller melons. The planting location needs full sunlight with a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Nutrient-rich soil that drains well gives the watermelons an ideal environment that allows them to grow to their full size.

To maximize the size of the melons, water the plants at the base in regular, deep-watering sessions that keep the soil moist. Side dress the watermelon plants with a fertilizer designed for edible crops or compost tea to feed the plants. The fertilizer encourages growth to get larger melons. Mulching around the plants keeps the soil moist and minimizes contact between the melons and the soil with potential disease pathogens.

Watch for signs of pests, including aphids, spider mites, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. Remove damaged leaves, pick off the insects and spray an insecticidal soap as needed to control the pests.

Watermelons come in different varieties that affect the mature size. If you want large watermelons, choose a variety that is designed to produce large fruit, such as Crimson Sweet, Royal Majesty, Carolina Cross, or Black Diamond. Other watermelons are designed to grow smaller melons to save space in a little garden. Avoid watermelons that are described as baby, icebox, bush, compact, or space-saving, as these are indicators that the melons won't grow as large as you want.

Harvesting your watermelons too early results in smaller fruit that lacks flavor. Most large watermelon varieties require around 85 to 95 days to reach maturity, so the calendar can help you determine how long to let your watermelons grow. A ripe watermelon has a white or yellow color on the underside and the rind goes from shiny to dull. A brown tendril at the spot where the stem meets the watermelon is also a sign of ripeness.