Maturation Process of a Watermelon

Germination

• Watermelon seed germination produces one root and two small leaves that are referred to as cotyledons. As growth continues, the root system will branch out slightly and grow to a depth of approximately 6-1/2 feet. Meanwhile, the plant above ground will grow runners along the ground, with additional leaves sprouting from the central vines and runners.

Plant Maturation

• Vine growth will take place throughout the life of the watermelon plant, with vines extending to a length of 3 to 8 feet, depending on the variety of melon. Large green leaves will be present every 3 to 5 inches along a mature watermelon vine, with small tendrils sprouted downward toward the ground acting as anchors. After plant maturation, the vine will sprout yellow flowers near the base of the plant's leaves. As the pollen from the male flowers is transported to the female flowers by bees, the plant will begin to set fruit.

Fruit Development

• Once pollination has occurred, actual watermelon fruit will begin to form. As the melon itself grows in size, the wilting flower will fall off, leaving the fruit to grow and ripen. Forming melons will be green in color and will begin to show lighter-colored stripes down the length of the fruit as they reach maturity. Depending on the variety of melon, the fruit will reach full maturity at a weight of 5 to 50 lbs., sound somewhat hollow when tapped and display a brown, dry stem.

Seed Development

• Seeds form within the melon itself as the fruit matures. "Seedless" watermelons fail to produce mature seeds that are suitable for replanting. However, seeds from other varieties can be retrieved by harvesting the melon, picking out the seeds, washing them and storing them in a cool, dry location until the next growing season.