How to grow watermelon from seeds at home best easy

Watermelon (scientific name Citrullus lanatus) is a climbing plant. This fruit-bearing plant thrives in warm conditions and is relatively easy to grow, as long as you take care of it during its young stages. In this article, we will provide detailed instructions on how to plant and care for this plant.

1. Preparing Seeds and Soil for Growing Watermelon at Home

1.1. What Type of Watermelon Seeds to Choose?

• Watermelons are highly diverse in type and size. Some varieties weigh around 1 kg, while others can exceed 32 kg. In terms of color, there are both red-fleshed and yellow-fleshed watermelons. Worldwide, watermelons are classified into two types based on their shape: (1) oval-shaped watermelons (such as Jubilee, Charleston Grey, and Congo); and (2) round-shaped watermelons (like Sugar Baby and Ice Box).

• Keep in mind that watermelon seeds germinate best at temperatures around 21°C. Therefore, if you live in a cold season, it’s best to postpone sowing the seeds. Instead, consider sprouting the seeds indoors for a few weeks until the weather warms up.

1.2. Where to Plant Watermelon?

• Watermelons thrive in sunny conditions. To ensure optimal growth and fruit production, the planting area should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.

• Additionally, since watermelons grow vigorously when mature, they require ample space. Typically, each watermelon plant needs an area ranging from 1.2 to 2 meters.

1.3. How to Prepare Soil for Growing Watermelon

• Watermelon prefers rich, well-draining soil. Thus, you need to till the soil, break it up, and completely remove any weeds.

• To determine if the planting area has good drainage, check if water pools after a heavy rain. If it does, you may need to add more soil or create drainage channels for better water flow.

• It’s advisable to add manure or organic fertilizers to improve the soil quality. If possible, check the soil’s pH level; watermelons prefer a pH range of 6 to 6.5.

2. Detailed Instructions on How to Grow Watermelon from Seeds at Home and Care for Them

To achieve the best results when growing watermelon from seeds at home, follow these steps:

2.1. Creating Soil Mounds

• You can use a hoe or a tractor (if planting a large area) to create soil mounds shaped like hills for sowing watermelon seeds. The space between the mounds should be about 1.2 to 1.8 meters.

• Creating soil mounds is crucial for growing watermelon from seeds at home, as they help aerate the soil, provide sufficient oxygen for plant growth, and reduce the risk of flooding. Furthermore, during dry seasons, these mounds will help retain moisture effectively.

2.2. Sowing Watermelon Seeds

• For each soil mound, use a tool to make about 3-4 holes, each about 2.5 cm deep. 

• In each hole, sow 1 to 4 seeds, depending on how many you have. Use a rake to cover the seeds lightly and press down gently to ensure the seeds are properly secured in the soil. Be careful not to compress the soil too tightly.

2.3. Waiting for Germination

• Typically, watermelon seeds will germinate in about 7 to 10 days, depending on the soil temperature and the depth at which you planted the seeds.

• Once the seeds sprout, keep the soil around them consistently moist. At this stage, water lightly to help the watermelon roots absorb moisture.

• Retain only the 2 strongest seedlings. Cut away the remaining seedlings to allow the two chosen ones to thrive.

• Water the plants once a day during this time to prevent the soil from drying out.

2.4. Mulching Around the Seedlings

• When the young watermelon plants reach about 10 cm in height, proceed to mulch around their base. 

• You can use fertilizer, straw, or burlap to cover the base to prevent weeds and retain moisture.

2.5. Caring for Watermelon for Sweet Fruits

• When the watermelon plants start to flower, reduce the amount of water you provide. At this point, water only about every three days if the soil becomes dry.

• As the watermelon fruits begin to form, ensure the leaves and fruits remain dry. You can use pieces of wood, stones, or bricks to elevate the watermelon fruits.

• In hot summer weather, if the leaves wilt, water the base of the plants in the evening.

• The secret to sweet watermelon is to refrain from watering them for a week before harvest.

• Additionally, be sure to regularly remove weeds around the base and in the direction the watermelon vines are growing.

3. How to Harvest Watermelon and Some Tips for Growing

When implementing the method for growing watermelon from seeds at home, you’ll want to ensure you have delicious, sweet fruits. Here are a few key points to remember during both the harvesting and growing processes.

• If grown and cared for properly, watermelons will be ready for harvest after about 4 months. Make sure the watermelons are fully ripe when harvesting.

• To determine if the watermelon is ripe, lightly tap the fruit with your hand. If you hear a deep, hollow sound, it’s ready. Additionally, check the bottom of the watermelon; if it has turned from light yellow to white, it is ripe. You can also check the curly tendril near the stem; if it is dry, the fruit is ready for harvest.

• Use scissors to cut the watermelon from the vine. Generally, each vine will yield about 2 to 5 fruits, depending on growth conditions.

• Be mindful to repel pests such as beetles and mites that may harm the watermelon.

• It is best not to sow seeds when the temperature is below 16°C. The ideal temperature for watermelon growth is around 24°C, which promotes stronger development.

• Avoid using chemical fertilizers or applying too much fertilizer, as this may prevent the watermelons from fruiting.