Key Points for Watermelon Cultivation and Management
Release Date:
2019-02-06
I. Fertilization Management: Base fertilizer should primarily consist of organic fertilizers, supplemented appropriately with compound fertilizers and micronutrient‑rich fertilizers. When the young melons reach the size of an egg, apply a fruit‑expansion fertilizer according to plant vigor; typically, apply 15–20 kg per 667 m² of a 45% nitrate‑sulfur or potassium sulfate‑based controlled‑release fertilizer. II. Water Management: During the seedling stage, minimize watering—or even withhold it—to encourage the development of a robust root system. Before flowering and fruit set, maintain water restriction to prevent excessive vegetative growth. After fruit set, ensure adequate moisture to promote fruit enlargement and increase yield. In the 7–10 days prior to harvest, avoid watering to allow the fruits to accumulate sugars. When water is limited, irrigate during the cooler hours of early morning or late evening.
I. Fertilization Management
Base fertilizer should primarily consist of organic fertilizers, supplemented with compound fertilizers and micronutrient fertilizers as needed. When the young melons reach the size of an egg, apply a fruit‑expansion fertilizer according to plant vigor; typically, 15–20 kg of a 45% nitrate‑sulfur or potassium sulfate‑based controlled‑release fertilizer is applied per 667 m².
II. Water Management
During the seedling stage, watering should be kept to a minimum—ideally omitted—to encourage the development of a robust root system. Before flowering and fruit set, water should be carefully regulated to prevent excessive vegetative growth. Once fruit set occurs, ensure an adequate supply of water to promote fruit enlargement and increase yield. In the 7–10 days preceding harvest, avoid watering to allow the fruits to accumulate sugars. When water is scarce, irrigate during the cooler hours of early morning or late evening. Use furrow irrigation to enhance soil moisture: apply water to the furrows between beds, and promptly drain any excess water once it has soaked into the melon rows. After irrigation or rainfall, promptly remove standing water from the field; otherwise, root and vine rot may easily occur.
III. Harvesting
Harvesting is best carried out in the morning. For long-distance transport or storage, harvest when the fruits are about 80% mature; for same-day sales in suburban areas, harvest at approximately 90% maturity. Avoid marketing underripe melons. Typically, early-maturing varieties are harvested around 30 days after pollination, mid‑maturing varieties about 35 days, and late‑maturing varieties around 40 days. The rate of fruit maturation is influenced by temperature, light intensity, and day length. It is advisable to record the date of pollination and, upon anticipating maturity, select a sample fruit, cut it open, measure its sugar content, and taste it. Only after confirming full maturity should the fruits be harvested in batches according to their assigned markings.
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