Juicy , red watermelon is the perfect addition to any summer get - together . But how do you pick the perfect one ? Nearly all of us are familiar with the disappointment of bite into a flavorless , unsweet watermelon . This has probably happened when you selected the wrong Citrullus vulgaris at the grocery store or mayhap you glean your homegrown watermelon at the faulty time .

Watermelons do n’t proceed to mature after harvest home . That ’s why it ’s so of import to pick one that ’s dead - both at the grocery store and when you ’re harvesting in your backyard .

This guide will take the air you through how to harvest watermelon , for the sweetest , toothsome watermelon vine potential .

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Materials Needed

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Before you go seem for the stark melon , you ’ll demand some prick first , including :

Growing Watermelon

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Growing watermelonis comparatively easy . To raise it outdoors , you do need to know in a climate with lots of heating system ; if you live in a tank climate , look at planting your Citrullus vulgaris in a nursery . You ’ll require to choose your variety base on your climate and growing season .

take in your watermelon vine grow , as it swells from a midget ball to a giant melon vine , is pretty exciting !   It can be amazing to see how much water they demand – about 1 to 2 inches a week . That water is the key to growing this thirst - quenching yield .

Hydrangeas in various shades on pink

When to Harvest Watermelon

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watermelon vine is ready to harvest anywhere from 70 to 100 Clarence Day after sowing , depending on the variety and growing condition . Many backyard gardeners prefer to save space by planting bush ( or shorter - vined ) miscellanea . simoleons baby is democratic for its sugariness and compact vine body structure , and is quick to harvest in 75 to 80 days . check out the motley you are growing for an approximate harvest date .

Since Citrullus vulgaris does n’t mature off the vine , it ’s best to pick it when you are ready to eat it . There are a few ways to make up one’s mind if a watermelon is quick for harvest . If the melon was lay on the land , its bottom should have turned from white to yellow . The rind will also turn softened from its old waxy refulgence . When you criticise on the melon with your hand it should sound hollow .

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However , the adult index number of zeal is the dryness of the vines . You will point out near to harvest time , the tendrils on the dry land will start to wilt and sprain brown .

Reduce Water

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About a hebdomad before the Citrullus vulgaris are ready for harvest home , set the amount of water you give it . The reduction in water have the boodle in the fruit to sweeten making for the tasty watermelon . It may also serve decrease the chance of splitting , which can be triggered by inordinate pee inspiration or intense heat .

How to Harvest Watermelon Seeds

Inspect the radical of the watermelon vine you are about to harvest . Ensure that the cheeseparing tendril is dark-brown . This is the final check that the melon vine is ready for harvest home . Using pruning shear , cut the root word , leaving about 2 inches on the yield . computer storage right aside .

If you have a few that overripen , not to fret ; it ’s an idealistic opportunity to harvest semen for the undermentioned class . give these melons until the vines have completely dried out and then glean . Store in a coolheaded , teetotal area for a few more week . Do not stash away them in the fridge .

Using a kitchen knife , turn out the watermelons open lengthwise and then split them into quarters . murder the seed with your hands or a spoon . you’re able to classify through the seeds by rinse them in a bowling ball of body of water . Discard any seeds that float . Use the cullender to drain the piss , save the rest ejaculate . dry out the seed for at least a week beforestoring them .

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How to Store Watermelon

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Store your whole , unmown watermelon in a cool positioning , such as a cellar . After harvest home , they will keep for two to three weeks , depending on the storage conditions . Once the watermelon is cut , it will last for about one week in thefridge .

Due to its short ledge - life , and the space restraints of stash away Citrullus vulgaris in your icebox , you may want to consider freezing some of it .   you may freeze chop or pureed watermelon . Both are various for a variety of snacks , desserts , and drinks . watermelon vine lollipop make for a novel late - summer treat . If put in in proper containers , frozen watermelon vine will stay near for up to eight months , just in time for next time of year ’s harvest .

Pot with various tools for gardening

Pick and Eat

The headstone to the perfect bite of watermelon is to harvest it when mature and run through it decent aside . Watermelon wo n’t continue to mature after it ’s pluck , so leave the fruit on the vine until it ’s quick . Since they wo n’t put in long , you may want to give a few forth to mob and friend .

person holding a sliced watermelon

Watermelon ripening on lush green field

Man holding garden hose

storing watermelons