Information on Growing Seedless Watermelons

About Seedless Watermelons

• Seedless watermelons require that the plants do something against their fundamental nature, that is, they must prevent the production of seed to propagate and make more watermelons. To do this, they combine a female tetraploid plant with a male diploid to produce a sterile triploid type of seed. These are particular variations in the chromosomal structure of watermelons that are manipulated to produce certain qualities. Removing the seed-producing quality also makes the watermelon sterile, so you must plant a pollinator with the sterile seed in order for the plant to bear fruit

Planting Seedless Watermelons

• Watermelons grow best on sandy-loamy soil with good drainage. Seedless varieties germinate when temperatures are above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, unlike seeded types which only require temperatures of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the University of Illinois Extension Service. Starting the plants in seed trays with 1 to 2 inches of sterile growing media is the recommended technique Do not overwater the plants during the germination process. Seedlings are ready to transplant in three to five weeks. When transplanting. The pollenizing diploid plants should be planted outdoors as the triploid seedless plants are started indoors. Arrange s every third plant in a row is a pollenizer. It is important that the pollenizer be available with the diploid plants are blooming so they can set fruit.

Maintaining Watermelon Plants

• Watermelons need full sun exposure and organic matter in the soil. Spreading black plastic mulch sheeting helps to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, warm the soil and keep plants clean. Drip irrigation is a good method for melons to keep the soil moist but not wet. Keep plantings weeded and monitor for pests.

Harvesting Seedless Watermelons

• As watermelons ripen the tendrils near the fruit stem turn brown and dry out. The ground spot at the bottom turns from pale green to white or cream-colored. When thumped with your finger, the melon should have a dull, muffled tone, according to Ohio State University horticulturalist Ted W. Gastier. Immature fruit have a ringing sound when thumped.

Watermelon Plant Problems

• Watermelons are sensitive to frost. Protect plants during sudden drops in temperature with a sheet or landscape cloth. Aphids cucumber beetles and mites may affect watermelon plants. Anthracnose and fusarium wilt are fungus problems that can damage plants and fruit production. Consult your local agricultural extension for the best treatments for your area.