Growing watermelons in open ground and in a greenhouse at the dacha

Features of cultivation

Watermelons can be grown both in open and closed ground (greenhouse).

The main thing is to choose the right variety with the duration of the growing season suitable for a particular region, plant in a sufficiently lit area and provide the plants with protection from possible frosts and rains.

Biological description

Watermelon is an annual herbaceous plant of the pumpkin family with a powerful root system. Most of the root mass is located at a depth of 40-50 cm, but some roots penetrate 2-3 m deep. The stem is creeping, creeping, highly branched, reaching 3-4 m in length. The leaves are dark green, strongly dissected, the flowers are formed in the leaf axils, the female ones are larger than the male ones.

The flowering period begins 40-50 days after sowing the seeds. The fruits are spherical or elongated berries weighing from 500 g to 20 kg, consisting of bark, seeds and pulp of varying consistency, sugar content and color.

How does a watermelon grow?

The highest yields of watermelons are obtained in the subtropics; in temperate climates, the yield decreases. On the territory of Russia, the crop is usually grown in the Lower Volga region and the North Caucasus, however, watermelons are also successfully cultivated in other regions.

The crop needs warmth and long-term sunlight, tolerates drought and heat well, and does not have any special requirements for soil composition. Despite their ability to grow and develop during dry periods, watermelons respond well to watering.

What to look for when choosing a variety

When choosing a watermelon variety to plant on your site, you need to consider several parameters:

• frost resistance;
• climatic conditions of the growing region;
• requirements for soil composition and other conditions.

It is also important to pay attention to the timing of the ripening of the variety - the time of sowing seeds for seedlings and transplanting seedlings into the ground depends on this.

Regionality and climate

Watermelon varieties characterized by a short growing season are suitable for cultivation only in the southern regions . In areas with cooler climates, only early-ripening varieties with a growing season lasting 70-90 days.

All varieties are divided into several groups according to geographical characteristics. In mid-latitudes, varieties belonging to the Russian, Central Asian or Transcaucasian groups are planted. They are characterized by high environmental sustainability, which allows them to get a good harvest even in unfavorable conditions .

The best varieties of watermelons for different regions

Variety selection

Now breeders have developed many varieties adapted to the climate of central Russia. These varieties have an early ripening period, a small weight of fruits, they are not demanding on growing conditions, and are resistant to diseases and climatic conditions of central Russia. It is not worth trying to grow late-ripening varieties of watermelons in this climatic zone; they will not have time to ripen.

Among the varieties most suitable for the Moscow region and middle regions of Russia, the following varieties can be distinguished:

• “Ogonyok” - 70-80 days from full germination, fruit weight 2-2.5 kg, sweet, juicy pulp;
• “Suga Baby” - early ripening 75-85 days, fruit weight 1-3 kg, pulp is sweet, grainy, aromatic;
• “Earthling” - after germination, it matures in 75-85 days, fruit weight is 4-6 kg;
• “Sibiryak” is ultra-early ripening, the first fruits can be obtained at the end of July, the pulp is tender, sweet, weight up to 4.5 kg;
• “Sugar baby” - a fruit weighing up to 2.5 - 3.5 kg, the flesh is bright red, sweet, ultra-early, ripens in 56 days, resistant to low temperatures;
• “Skorik” - ripening period 80-100 days from germination, large striped fruits up to 3-4 kg, tasty, grainy, bright red pulp;
• “Crimson Sweet” (75-80 days, fruit weight 8-12 kg, low-seeded variety, juicy, sweet, dark red pulp).

You can also note such watermelon hybrids as “Sorento F1” (60 days after planting in open ground, sweet, fruit weight up to 9 kg), “Williams F1”, “Top Gun F1” (fruiting occurs 70-75 days from sowing, the fruit is oval-shaped, weighing 8-10 kg, dark red flesh, very sweet).

Watermelon hybrids have good resistance to diseases and pests, as well as temperature changes during the summer season. In central Russia, watermelons are grown only by seedlings.

Interesting fact: if the seeds are small, then the fruits will be small in size.

Growing seedlings

In most regions, except the south and the Lower Volga region, you can get a good harvest of watermelons only by pre- sowing seeds for seedlings .

Sowing time

On average, watermelon seeds for seedlings are sown in the middle or end of April , and the sowing time varies depending on the growing region:

• south - end of March;
• central Russia (Moscow region) - end of April;
• Siberia, Ural, Leningrad region. - beginning of May.

Reference. At the time of transplanting into open ground, seedlings must be at least 35 days old .

According to the lunar calendar

Seed selection and preparation

When purchasing, preference is given to seeds collected 2-3 years ago, since freshly collected seeds produce plants with male flowers, while female ones are needed for fruiting.

The seed material is tested for germination. To do this, the seeds are dipped in a saline solution (5 g of salt per 100 ml of water) for 5 minutes and those that float to the surface are discarded. After this, to obtain healthy seedlings, the seeds are prepared for planting.

Calibration

The seeds are laid out on a flat, smooth surface and the largest specimens are selected - they contain the most nutrients necessary for good growth and high yield.

Seed preparation

When purchasing planting material, preference is given to seeds collected 2-3 years ago. This is due to the fact that freshly harvested plants produce male flowers, so fruits are not formed.

Preparation stages:

• Selection by size (sizing) . The seeds are sorted out and large, medium and small are placed separately. It is better to use the first two groups, but they need to be planted in different places to get uniform seedlings. Small ones are also suitable, but the fruits will be smaller in size.
• Definition of completeness. The calibrated material is poured into a saline solution (1 tsp/250 ml) for 5-10 minutes, and the floating seeds are thrown away.
• Scarification. The procedure is necessary for rapid germination, which is difficult due to the hard, dense seed coat. To do this, rub the seed in the “nose” area on sandpaper.
• Disinfection. They are carried out to destroy pathogens and larvae that may be on the shell or under it. The simplest and most hands-off method is to warm it up in bright sunshine for a week. Another option: a bag of seeds is dipped in a rich crimson-colored manganese solution for a third of an hour, then washed under the tap, and immediately soaked for germination. If germination is carried out later, then dry it.

• Soaking in nutrient solution. Accelerates germination and promotes rapid growth of seedlings. Biological products Fitosporin-M and Epin-Extra are suitable.
• Warming up for fast germination. High temperature helps to increase the rate of biochemical processes in tissues, so the seed material is immersed in hot (50 ° C) water for half an hour.
• Germination. After warming up, the seed is wrapped in a wet cotton napkin, placed on a saucer, and kept in a warm place (20-25 ° C). The fabric is regularly moistened and opened for ventilation.

Related article:

How to grow good potatoes

Sowing seeds directly into the ground

Sowing seeds directly into open ground is permissible only in the southern regions, characterized by a warm and mild climate.

As a rule, sowing is carried out at the end of May, but it is necessary to focus on weather conditions and air temperature ( not lower than +12+14°C ) and soil - it should warm up to a depth of 10 cm to +12+14°C.

Site selection and soil preparation

To plant watermelons, choose a well-lit place, protected from gusty winds, located on a plain or hill - watermelons tolerate drought well, and excessive soil moisture can lead to rotting of the root system.

Melon crops prefer light, loose, fertile soil with good aeration and moisture permeability; the best option is virgin sandy loam chernozem with a neutral acidity level; sandstones or sandstones pre-enriched with humus are also suitable.

In the fall, the selected area is dug up and fertilized with rotted manure; in the spring (March-April), the ground is harrowed, loosened, and for every 1 sq. m. m of area, 20 g of potassium fertilizers and 30 g of urea and superphosphate are applied.

Good predecessors and neighbors

Watermelon is not planted after melons, squash or zucchini; winter wheat, perennial herbs, radishes, dill, basil, tomatoes, celery, root vegetables, onions and cabbage are good predecessors.

Strawberries, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, beets, carrots, garlic, radishes, pumpkins and cucumbers are not planted next to watermelons To create protection from the wind, corn, peas or beans are planted around the site; to prevent attacks of spider mites, black radishes are planted near watermelons; and tomatoes are planted to repel aphids, sawflies and moths.

Landing algorithm

Scheme for sowing watermelon seeds in open ground:

1. In the prepared area, form beds at a distance of 1.5-2 m from each other.
2. Every 0.7-1.5 m, make planting holes in them with a depth of at least 30 cm and a diameter of 1 m.
3. Add 1 kg of humus to each, 1 tbsp. l. ash, 1 tsp. nitroammophosphate and 2 liters of water.
4. Place 4-5 seeds in the holes, deepen them 3-6 cm, cover with soil, compact it.
5. Mulch the soil with humus.

After seed germination and in the phase of 3-4 leaves, the seedlings are thinned out.

Reference. This method of growing watermelons makes it possible to obtain fruits that are more resistant to stressful conditions, but the harvest ripens later.

Choosing a site and soil for growing watermelon in the country

To obtain a good harvest from watermelon grown in the country, it is important that the area intended for planting:

• was well lit;
• closed from cold winds;
• provided the plants with proper nutrition.

The best soil for melons is light, fertile and loose. It is optimal if the garden beds have sandy and sandy loam soil, enriched with humus or other well-rotted organic matter since the fall.

The best predecessors for watermelons are legumes, cruciferous crops, including cabbage and radishes, as well as potatoes and tomatoes.

Before growing watermelons in open ground, care should be taken to prepare the beds and fertilize the soil. Per meter of beds in the spring add:

• 24–35 grams of ammonium sulfate;
• 40–45 grams of superphosphate;
• 15–25 grams of potash fertilizers.

In pre-moistened holes located at intervals of 1–1.5 meters, 1–2 plants are planted or one peat cup is immersed in such a way that the cotyledon leaves remain above the soil level. After planting, the bed is mulched with sand and the plants are protected from the sun. The same is done when seedlings appear if watermelons in open ground are grown from seeds.

In the first week, while the acclimatization process is underway, watermelons are watered with warm water.

Transplanting seedlings into open ground

The timing of planting seedlings in the ground depends on the growing region. In this case, they are guided by the age of the seedlings (at least 35 days) and weather conditions - the average air temperature should be +15+20°C during the day and +8°C at night.

Reference. According to the rules of crop rotation, watermelon can be grown in the same place for a maximum of 2 years in a row.

Planting pattern and depth

Algorithm for transplanting seedlings into open ground:

1. In the prepared area, prepare beds at a distance of 1 m from each other.
2. Every 50-70 cm, make planting holes in them larger than the containers with seedlings.
3. Pour 0.5 cups of wood ash into each, mix it with soil, and water.
4. Water the seedlings, remove the seedlings along with a lump of earth and carefully move them to the center of the prepared holes.

Watermelon diseases

Today, one of the most common and difficult to identify diseases of watermelon are mosaic viruses - Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) - the skin of the fruit becomes patterned, and Marrow mosaic virus (MMV) - the leaves wrinkle. And also the cucumber mosaic virus - the leaves wrinkle, curl with the edges down, light areas appear on them, plant growth is inhibited, flowering is weak, yellow-green mottling and dark “warts” appear on the fruits.

Powdery mildew

The causative agent is the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum DC. cucurbitacearum. The disease begins to appear at the beginning of summer. Loves temperature changes and dry air. Appears in the form of whitish, powdery, enlarging spots. Affected leaves turn yellow and dry out.

Downy mildew (downy mildew)

The causative agent is the fungus Pseudoperenospora cubensis Rostowz. It appears in the form of angular spots on the upper side of the leaf; on the lower side, a grayish coating of sporulation forms on the spots.

Fusarium

The causative agent is the fungus Fusarium oxysporum Schl. f. Niveum Bilai. Penetrates into plants through the root system, through infected seeds. It can appear throughout the growing season, from germination to harvesting, as well as during storage. Loves cool, damp weather.

Symptoms: first, the tops of the vines and individual leaves wither, brown stripes form from the root collar along the stem, and the plant withers.

White rot (sclerotial rot)

The causative agent is the fungus Sclerotnia scleotiorum (Lib.) d. By. It provokes rotting of the roots and the entire above-ground part of the plant. The manifestation of symptoms begins with darkening of the stems and the formation of watery spots on the leaves and fruits. Then, a cotton-like coating appears on the affected tissues, in which sclerotia of the fungus are formed.

Ascochyta blight

The causative agent is the fungus Ascochyta melonis Pot. It appears as whitish or grayish spots with a brown border, on which dark pycnidia form over time. Affected leaves turn yellow and dry out.

Gray rot

The causative agent is the fungus Botritis cinerea Pers. Symptoms of the disease are vague brown-green rotting spots on leaves and fruits, which over time become covered with dark gray sporulation of the fungus. However, in dry weather, the spots look like brownish dry ulcers, the necrotic tissue of which cracks and falls out.

Anthracnose (scarden)

It is especially evident in rainy years in irrigated areas or in lowlands with stagnant, humid air. The causative agent is the fungus Colletotrichum lagenarium E. et H.

Symptoms: Brown spots with a yellow border appear on the leaves. Affected leaf blades become brown and brittle. On fruits, depressed brown spots become covered with a pinkish coating during wet periods. The spots on the stems are oblong and copper-red in color.

Pythium fruit rot of watermelon

The disease is caused by the fungus Pythium Pringsh. Dense white mycelium appears on the fruits, which over time can cover the entire surface of the watermelon.

Growing methods

There are several ways to grow watermelons. The appropriate one is chosen based on the climate of the region and the area of ​​the site.

In the greenhouse

In cold climates, growing watermelons is only possible in greenhouse conditions.

In the greenhouse, the soil is first dug up, beds are formed, and the soil is fertilized with humus and mineral fertilizers. Transplantation of seedlings is carried out when the air temperature inside the greenhouse at night reaches at least +6°C. In the Central regions, this time falls at the end of April.

Due to limited space, in order to save space, watermelons are planted densely (the distance between plants is 50 cm, between rows - 70 cm), and trellises are used to guide the lashes.

In containers (barrels, buckets, boxes)

This method allows you to grow watermelons at home. To do this, prepare a container (a bucket or barrel with a volume of 16 liters or a box measuring 50 x 50 x 30 cm) and fill it with the prepared substrate with the addition of perlite to prevent moisture stagnation.

Seedlings with three true leaves are removed from the container in which they grew, along with a lump of earth, and transplanted into a bucket or box.

Plants are kept at an air temperature of +25+30°C during the day and +18+20°C at night, moderately watered with warm, settled water and fed with potassium- and phosphorus-containing fertilizers 2 times a month.

During flowering, watermelons are artificially pollinated : the petals and male flowers with stamens are removed, and the female flowers are pollinated by touching the pistils with the stamens.

When the fruits set, all but two berries are removed from the plant.

Under covering material

There are several ways to grow watermelons under covering material :

1. Every 1.5 m, make beds 10-15 cm high, dig a ditch 40 cm deep in the center, bury straw in it and water it with urea solution. Lay the grass on top and compact it, cover everything with a 10 cm thick layer of humus mixed with soil. Water everything with water so that the soil is moistened to a depth of 25-30 cm, cover with black polyethylene, make slots in it in a checkerboard pattern every 90 cm, plant there are seedlings in them.
2. Install arcs on the site and stretch polyethylene over them. The size of the structure should be about 70 cm in width and height. In hot weather, the cover is removed.
3. Lay agrofibre along one side of the bed and cover the plants if necessary, for example, during frosts.

This method helps protect plantings from weeds, reduce temperature fluctuations, retain moisture in the soil and reduce the time for fruit ripening by about a week.

On the trellis

Algorithm of actions:

1. Dig supports at least 1.5 m high on both sides of the bed.
2. Stretch ropes between them.
3. Tie other ropes to them, which will support the stems and determine the direction of growth.
4. Secure the end of the lowered rope to the ground.
5. Tie the main stem vertically, remove side shoots.

Reference. This method is relevant in northern regions and in insufficiently lit areas.

Hanging fruits in nets

When growing watermelons on trellises, the fruits may fall to the ground. To avoid this, berries that have grown to the size of an apple are placed in nets and tied to a trellis. It also helps protect the watermelons from rotting and provides them with even light.

In a barrel

In this case, plant debris is placed at the bottom of the barrel for drainage, covered with grass, humus and fertile soil. Depending on the climate of the region, seeds are sown in a barrel or watermelon seedlings are planted, and the plantings are covered with non-woven material.

Under the film

This method promotes faster emergence of seedlings due to the creation of a greenhouse effect. To do this, the crops are covered with polyethylene, and after germination, holes are made in it.

Important! Prolonged exposure of watermelons under the film provokes rotting of the root system.

Rules for planting watermelons

Heat-loving watermelon is cultivated more often in the southern regions of our country. But when grown by seedlings, its early ripening varieties give normal yields in the middle zone. In central regions, watermelons are often grown in greenhouses. The minimum temperature for germination of watermelon seeds is 16°C. At 0°C plants die. The most favorable temperature is 20–30°C.

Based on the climate of the region, it is possible to plant watermelon in open ground or only in a greenhouse. But in both cases it is possible to grow it either through the seedling stage or simply by sowing seeds in a garden bed. Therefore, the choice of method of planting watermelon is quite wide. Planting patterns, that is, ways of placing plants in the provided space, also differ.

At what distance to plant watermelons

Different sources provide different watermelon planting schemes. But all authors agree on one thing: watermelon needs a lot of space, and dense plantings are unacceptable. Based on the geometry of the site and the preferences of the owner, both line (row) and square-cluster planting are possible. When planting in rows, 1.5 to 3 meters are left between rows of watermelons, and about 1 meter between plants in a row. When planting in square nests, it is recommended to leave distances between holes from 0.7 to 2 meters, depending on the variety of watermelon and the power of the plant.

Considerable distances are always left between watermelon bushes

Of course, these distances relate, rather, to the mass production of watermelons, to sowing them in a large field. An ordinary summer resident will plant no more than a dozen plants in a small garden bed, but the distance between them still cannot be less than half a meter.

In closed ground (in a greenhouse), you usually cannot afford such luxury, and the distances have to be made somewhat smaller. Most often, a 50 x 70 cm scheme is used. In the case of early varieties, two plants are planted in a hole, directing their lashes in opposite directions as they grow.

Sowing seeds for seedlings at home

When sowing watermelon seeds for seedlings, you should expect that they will be planted in open ground or a greenhouse in about a month. The best soil mixture for seedlings consists of equal parts of turf soil, sand, peat and humus. You can also add sawdust. It is also allowed to sow in a common box, but transplanting watermelons from a common container into the ground will be very painful for the seedlings. It is better to take a separate container for each plant with a volume of 200 ml or more, with a depth of at least 10–12 cm. Peat pots are optimal.

Sowing is carried out to a depth of about 3 cm, 2-3 seeds per pot, and a little clean sand is poured on top. Before sowing, the soil is slightly moistened. And after sowing, the pots are covered with glass or plastic film, creating a greenhouse effect until the first shoots appear. The optimal temperature for growing seedlings is 22°C during the day and 18°C ​​at night. But immediately after the emergence of seedlings, it is lowered by 3–5 degrees for several days. Watering is needed moderately, at the root. Sometimes you have to highlight the seedlings, especially if they are trying to stretch out. Daylight should be about 12 hours.

Already at the seedling stage, each watermelon plant requires a rather large home.

A week after germination, one plant at a time is left in the pot. At this time, the seedlings can be slightly fed with complex fertilizer or mullein infusion. A week before planting in the ground, the seedlings are hardened off. By the time it is planted in the garden, it should have 4–5 true leaves.

Video: sowing watermelon seeds for seedlings

Planting seedlings in open ground

Of course, greenhouse conditions are better suited for growing watermelon in the middle zone. But in more southern regions they ripen well in open ground. The grown seedlings are planted in the garden bed as follows:

1. In the places designated according to the chosen scheme, dig holes with a scoop slightly larger than the size of the pots with seedlings.
2. A glass of wood ash is poured into each hole as a local fertilizer, mixed with soil and watered a little.
3. Carefully removing the pre-well-watered seedlings from the pots, transfer them to the holes and deepen them a little. All leaves should remain on the surface.
4. Carefully water each plant at the root.
5. Then pour a centimeter layer of clean sand around the stem.

Caring for watermelons

The key to getting a good harvest is proper care and compliance with all agrotechnical requirements of the crop, including proper watering, fertilizing, weeding, protection from diseases and pests, pollination and bush formation.

Watering

Before and during the growth of the green part of the plant, water it weekly so that the soil is moistened to a depth of 20-30 cm. Watermelons are watered in the evening, strictly at the root, using warm, settled water.

After the female flowers open, the frequency of watering is reduced, and after the formation of fruits begins, it is stopped completely. Excess moisture causes watermelons to become unsweetened and watery.

Feeding

For the first time, plants are fed at the beginning of the growth of vines, using mullein infusion mixed with wood ash, ammophoska or azofoska. Also for every 10 sq. m of land add 50 g of potassium salt and 150 g of superphosphate and ammonium nitrate or urea.

Treatment of watermelon from diseases and pests

Plant protection includes three areas:

• agrotechnical, implying strict adherence to the rules of care and cultivation of melons:
• replanting is carried out no earlier than after 5 years; Before planting, the seeds must be treated;
• plantings are carried out on sandy loam soils;
• the deadlines for deep plowing and planting are observed;
• measures are being taken to combat waterlogging;
• chemical, including the use of special agents to combat insect pests, as well as pathogenic viruses, bacteria and fungi;
• natural, which they try to adhere to in order to preserve the environmental purity of watermelons; To combat diseases and pests, the following are used: plant tinctures, including preparations containing tobacco dust and wood ash;
• solutions based on laundry soap;
• traps and sweet baits.

Features of growing watermelons in the regions

When growing watermelons, it is necessary to take into account the climatic features of the region . Problems do not arise only in the southern regions; in other regions it is important to follow the rules aimed at creating optimal conditions for the culture.

Ukraine and southern Russia

Here, thanks to the large number of warm days, watermelons are usually grown in an open way - prepared seeds are sown directly into the ground in mid-spring.

Moscow region and middle zone

Early ripening varieties are grown in these regions, and to ensure optimal temperature they are planted in greenhouses or under film. They use only the seedling method; water the plant along the grooves in the center of the rows, and not at the root.

Far East

Watermelons are grown through seedlings, planting them in high (20-25 cm) beds. This helps to avoid root rotting as a result of stagnant moisture after prolonged rains.

Siberia and the Urals

They use the seedling method of cultivation or plant watermelons in greenhouses. Seeds are sown in early or mid-May.

Methods of consuming and processing watermelons

The quality of watermelon depends on various factors, but primarily on the climatic conditions for growing this crop. Thus, fruits grown in the southern regions are distinguished by a greater amount of dry matter, sugars and vitamins than those grown to the north. Late-ripening varieties and hybrids are considered the most delicious - they have the highest tasting rating.

For most of us, it is most common to consume fresh watermelons as a dessert. But in fact, it can also be eaten with bread, as a main dish, or prepared in different ways for the winter.

“Watermelon honey” is prepared from watermelon by evaporating the pulp of ripe fruits to a viscous consistency, called marshmallow. Jam is made from the crusts. Candied fruits are made from thick-barked varieties. Late varieties and hybrids are fermented. Watermelon rinds are dried for the winter.

Fact! Watermelon 'Pepquinos' is native to South America. Its size is impressive - no larger than a gooseberry. It tastes like cucumbers, which is why it is used in salads!

How to grow a square watermelon

Square or cubic watermelons have only one advantage - they are easier to store and transport. To grow such watermelons you will need cubic plastic containers with a diagonal larger than the expected diameter of the watermelon and many ventilation holes.

Watermelons that have grown to the size of an apple are placed in such containers. Care for the fruits as usual, adjusting the frequency and amount of watering as necessary.

Reference. To reuse containers, they must be collapsible and have a hole 3-4 cm in diameter in one of the faces for escape with the fruit.

Botanical description of the plant

The common watermelon, or table watermelon (Citrúllus lanátus) belongs to the genus of the same name Watermelon from the diverse family Cucurbitaceae. It is a melon crop that is grown in more than 130 countries around the world. Around the world, about 3.5 million hectares are devoted to watermelon every year!

Watermelon has a superficial root system. Long creeping branched stems (lashes). Quite large, on long petioles, triangular-ovate, rough leaves. Most varieties of watermelon produce bisexual flowers, pollinated by bees, which bloom throughout the summer.

The fruit of a watermelon is a juicy multi-seeded pumpkin with a smooth surface. In different varieties it has a different shape: round, elongated, cylindrical. The color of the fruit also varies - it can be whitish, green, yellow with stripes or spots, almost black. The pulp can be crimson, orange, red, pink-orange, pink, yellow, white.

Today, seedless watermelons are becoming increasingly popular. These hybrids are not the result of genetic modification, but simply plants with three sets of chromosomes from crossing tetraploid (4 sets of chromosomes) and diploid parents (2 sets of chromosomes).

Fact! The wild ancestor of the watermelon, colocynth , grows in Africa. In its homeland, it is a perennial with numerous round fruits, weighing no more than 250 g. Some varieties are bitter, some are tasteless, some are poisonous, but some also have a pleasant, although not as sweet, tint as we are used to.

Growing seedless varieties

As a result of breeding work, seedless watermelons were developed, characterized by looser and more watery pulp. However, the statement that they have no seeds at all is incorrect. There are bones, but they are very soft and can be eaten.

To grow such watermelons, they purchase seeds obtained by crossing previously pollinated species of watermelons, since the seeds of seedless varieties do not inherit the parental qualities.

Before sowing, the seeds are not soaked due to the presence of air cavities, but are sown in soil heated to +30°C.

How to plant seedless watermelons in the ground?

How to grow seedless watermelon? Thanks to the painstaking work of breeders, modern gardeners have the opportunity to grow watermelons without seeds. Below you can familiarize yourself with the features of planting seedless hybrids.

1. The presence of air cavities does not allow soaking the seeds before planting. If you ignore this recommendation, the seed material will begin to rot.
2. Seeds are sown in warm, well-heated soil.
3. The soil is moistened as the top layer of soil dries.
4. After the emergence of seedlings, they are thinned out for the first time, and in the phase of 3-4 true leaves - again, leaving the strongest seedlings at a distance of 80-90 cm from each other.

Harvest and storage

The following signs indicate that the crop is ready for harvest :

• shine on matte peel;
• the crust is hard and cannot be pierced with light pressure;
• the stalk is dry;
• a yellow spot on the ground in the place where the watermelon lay;
• ringing sound when hitting a watermelon.

The fruits, ready for harvest, are cut with a sharp knife, leaving a stalk about 5 cm in length. Watermelons are transported and stored by placing them in one layer on a bed of straw.

Optimal storage conditions are temperature +6+8°C and air humidity maximum 85%. Watermelons can be stored for no longer than 3 months.

Harvesting

The watermelons have grown, it's time to pick them. It is very important to correctly determine the ripeness of a watermelon. Large size is not a guarantee of maturity.

The ripeness of a fruit can be determined by several signs:

1. the antennae and bracts must dry;
2. crackles when squeezed;
3. dull knock when tapping;
4. the fruit is large but light;
5. shiny surface, clear pattern;
6. a small yellow spot from lying on the ground;
7. surface without damage or cracks.

If watermelons are to be transported, they need to be collected two days before ripening.

Types and varieties of watermelons

All watermelons that gardeners grow on their plots, as well as those that can be purchased in a store or on the market, are a species of the Watermelon genus. There are 2 varieties: the African tsamma melon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides), this plant can be found in natural conditions in Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Lesotho, and the woolly watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus), familiar to almost everyone, this variety is found only in cultivated form. Woolly watermelon has a large number of varieties, most of which were born thanks to European, American and Asian breeders. These varieties will be described in more detail below.

All varieties of watermelons intended for cultivation in open soil are divided into early-ripening, mid-ripening and late-ripening (they are grown in regions with a long and fairly warm summer period). When choosing a suitable variety of this plant, it is recommended to take into account several factors: drought and cold resistance, resistance to pests and diseases, as well as the ability to grow and the need for fertilizers.

Watermelon varieties: description and tasting

Early ripening varieties

1. Victoria . This is an American hybrid, the ripening time of which is 62 days (sometimes a little more). Watermelons have a round shape and weigh on average about 10 kilograms.
2. Skorik . Small greenish watermelons weigh about 4 kilograms. Along the edges they have blurry scalloped stripes. The delicate sweet pulp is red in color and has a high taste. The peel is thick.
3. Jenny . This American hybrid is ultra-early, ripening is observed from 54 days. On one bush grows from 4 to 6 green-white watermelons, of a standard size, they have thin stripes of a dark color. On average they weigh about 1.5 kilograms. The peel is thin, and the seeds are the size of a grape seed. The pulp has a rich color and excellent taste.
4. Stabolite . This variety is the best of all seedless hybrids. Ripening is observed from 62 days. Large, strong fruits have an elongated shape and tasty pulp. To pollinate such a hybrid, the Lady and Trophy varieties from the Nunems variety series are used.
5. Ogonyok . This variety was bred by Russian breeders. Small watermelons, covered with a thin peel, have very tasty pulp; on average, they weigh about 2 kilograms.
6. Dolby _ This large-fruited American hybrid is distinguished by its stress resistance and productivity. Ripening is observed after 60 days.

Medium ripening varieties

1. Couch potato . Ripening time is 75–90 days. The variety is resistant to drought, diseases and pests. Greenish, medium-sized watermelons weigh about 5 kilograms. There are prickly stripes on the surface of the thin peel. The medium-density pulp is pink-red in color and has a pleasant taste.
2. Top Gun . This variety is one of the most popular American fruit varieties. Ripening time is 70–75 days. Large, round-shaped watermelons weigh about 10 kilograms. The pulp is crispy, dark red in color, and the seeds are small in size. This variety is resistant to anthracnose, and its fruits are well stored.
3. Dumara . This hybrid is distinguished by its productivity; ripening is observed from 75 days. The shape of watermelons is oval-cuboid, the flesh is tender and sweet, the seeds are also very tender.
4. Antey . Oval-cuboidal watermelons have tender flesh that is sweeter than other varieties. It is recommended to feed with organic fertilizers.
5. Ataman . This variety, created by domestic breeders, ripens in 66–86 days. Prickly, round-shaped watermelons weigh about 10 kilograms. The pulp is very tasty, red in color and of medium density.

Late ripening varieties

1. Spring . This variety is suitable for growing in both greenhouses and melon fields. Smooth watermelons have an elongated spherical shape and weigh about 3 kilograms. On the surface of their peel there is a barely noticeable mesh of green color against an olive background. The sweet and tender flesh is granular and dark red in color. Ripening time is about 105 days.
2. Icarus . The variety is resistant to drought and is characterized by productivity. Ripening period is 88–110 days. Watermelons weigh 3–16 kilograms. The dark green crust is very strong, with barely noticeable stripes on its surface. The very sweet pulp is raspberry-red in color. The fruits are stored very well (sometimes until March).
3. Chill . This variety is the most popular of all late varieties. Ripening time is about 100 days. Elliptical watermelons weigh 15–25 kilograms, they are weakly segmented, and there are almost black stripes on the surface of the strong, green-colored bark. The rich red flesh with a pinkish tint is very sweet. Watermelons can be stored for 3 months.
4. Melania . This is a hybrid of the Early variety, it ripens after 80 days. Watermelons are oval in shape and weigh about 12 kilograms. On the surface of the green crust there are wide stripes of dark green color. The dark red flesh is very crispy, the seeds are small.

If you want to grow some unusual variety, then you can choose the American hybrid California Cross, whose fruits are very large, or the Japanese variety from the island of Hokkaido Densuke, rarely grown in mid-latitudes, whose watermelon rind is almost black. The Pepkinos variety has very small watermelons that can be placed whole in your mouth. The seedless variety Red King is suitable for those who do not like seeds in watermelons. A rather unusual variety was created by a breeder from Astrakhan, its fruits have a muscat taste, and he also created the Lunny variety: the flesh of watermelons is yellow and has a lemon flavor.

92.Watermelons. Successful varieties. How to determine if a watermelon is ripe.

Preparing watermelon seeds for sowing

Planting a watermelon in your garden is not difficult. The first step is to properly prepare the planting material.

The rate of seed germination and plant resistance to diseases and pests will depend on this in the future.

Proper preparation of watermelon seeds for sowing consists of 4 stages:

• calibration;
• scarification;
• warming up;
• disinfection.

The first stage is calibration. It involves selecting seeds by size. Not all gardeners attach importance to this procedure, and not everyone carries it out.

Calibration is necessary in order to plant large seeds with large ones, and small ones with small ones. This will allow you to get friendly and healthy plants of the same size.

The second procedure, scarification, is optional. It is necessary to accelerate the germination of planting material.

This is done using sandpaper. Take the seeds and rub them a little with your nose on the sandpaper. This will allow the sprouts to hatch faster.

The third stage is warming up. It is mandatory to carry it out. To do this, take a container and pour hot water into it, the temperature of which is +50°C.

Planting material is placed there for 30 minutes. Warming up promotes faster germination and accelerates the biochemical reactions of the plant.

Disinfection helps increase the resistance of future plants to various diseases and pests. It is carried out using a solution of potassium permanganate.

Planting material is placed in the solution for 20-30 minutes. After this, they are washed with clean water and sent to dry.

You can also germinate the seeds before sowing.

This procedure is simple.

To germinate watermelon seeds, you just need to take the planting material and wrap it in a damp cloth and put it in a warm place.

The optimal germination temperature for watermelon seeds is +30°C.

In a few days, sprouts should appear.

During this time, you need to constantly monitor the napkin.

It should not dry out, so it is moistened with a spray bottle as necessary.

To keep the moisture longer, you can cover the napkin with the seeds with a plastic bag.

The germinated planting material is ready and can be sown.

Features of watermelon

The branched thin shoots of watermelon are creeping and curly, they are often smoothed-pentagonal, and their length can reach up to 400 cm. While the plant is young, its shoots are densely pubescent. Alternately arranged petiolar, harsh leaf plates have a rough surface on which pubescence is located. The leaves have a triangular-ovate shape, while at the base they are heart-shaped. The length of the plates can vary from 8 to 22 centimeters, and the width - from 5 to 18 centimeters. Flowering is observed in the summer, the flowers are female, male and hermaphroditic, there are bracts that are shaped like a boat. The fruit is a watermelon berry - a multi-seeded pumpkin, the surface of which is very smooth, its flesh is sweet and juicy, it has a red or pink color. There are varieties with pale yellow flesh, while the rind of this fruit is rough.

Growing watermelons from A to Z / All about melons in one video

Features of watering and feeding watermelons

In order for watermelons to grow large and sweet, it is important to water them correctly and fertilize them in a timely manner.

Moisture is necessary for the berries to be sugary and juicy.

You need to water regularly; plants need more moisture during the period when the ovaries appear. It is this watering of watermelons in open ground that is considered correct.

Feeding watermelons is also necessary. It is carried out 3 times per season. To feed watermelons in open ground, you can use the following fertilizers:

1. After the seedlings have been planted in a permanent place, after 7 days the first fertilizing is carried out. Add 30 g of superphosphate, 35 g of ammonium sulfate and 15 g of potassium salt per square meter.
2. At the second stage, the same drugs are used as the first time. The only thing you need to do is reduce the concentration by 2 times.
3. The third feeding is associated with the active growth of lashes. Superphosphate, potassium salt, and ammonium sulfate are also added.

Watermelon pests

Watermelon, like other crops from the Pumpkin family, is damaged by over 50 species of phytophages. Wireworms, pseudowireworms, sprout fly larvae, various types of beetles, and mole crickets damage seeds and seedlings.

During the growing season, you can find melon aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, tobacco thrips, different types of cutworms, and meadow moth caterpillars on watermelon. The most dangerous are the fall armyworm, beetles, wireworms and false wireworms.

Watermelon pulp is used to remove excess moisture from the body, cleanse the kidneys and liver, and restore acid-base balance. © Vera Dinca