When is the Best Time to Plant Watermelons
As a summer delicacy, the planting of watermelons affects the annual market (G-Y) and the income of fruit farmers. Mastering scientific planting methods can not only improve fruit quality but also effectively avoid planting risks. This article systematically analyzes the entire process of planting watermelons, from timing selection to field management, to help you grow high-yield and high-quality watermelons.
Watermelon Planting Time Selection
Golden Period for Spring Planting
Mid-March to late April is the best time for open-field planting, with the ground temperature stabilizing at 15℃ or above when sowing. Greenhouse planting can be advanced to February, and the use of mulching technology can enhance the accumulated temperature effect. It is recommended to seedlings around March 20 in the Yangtze River Valley, and complete transplanting by April 20.
Summer and Autumn Planting Arrangement
Seeding in late May for the summer crop requires choosing early-maturing varieties, and harvesting in August to avoid the plum rain season. For the autumn crop planted from June to July, it is important to prevent heavy rain, and using raised ridges can reduce the risk of waterlogging and root rot. Areas with short frost-free periods in the north need to calculate a 90-110 day growth period.
Key Watermelon Cultivation Techniques
Principles for Variety Selection
Jingxin series is suitable for the north, while 8424 is recommended for planting in Jiangnan. L600 is chosen for small fruit gift watermelons, and Heimi No. 5 for seedless watermelons. Pay attention to check the seed germination rate marking, with new seeds having a germination rate of ≥95%.
Soil Improvement Solutions
Sandy loam soil should be mixed with 30% humus soil, and for clayey soil, add 2 tons of river sand per mu. Apply 3 tons of decomposed sheep manure + 50 kg of superphosphate 15 days before planting. Adjust the pH to 6.0-6.8, with acidic soil requiring the application of 100 kg of quicklime per mu.
Seed Treatment Process
Sun-dry the seeds, then soak in 55℃ warm water for 15 minutes, followed by soaking in 30℃ water for 4 hours. Disinfect with 0.1% potassium permanganate for 20 minutes, then rinse and incubate at 28℃. Plant when 80% of the seeds have white tips, and continue to incubate ungerminated seeds.
Field Management Points
During the vine elongation stage, maintain soil moisture at 60%, increasing to 80% during the fruit-setting stage. Use the three-vine pruning method, leaving the fruit on the third female flower of the main vine. Apply high-potassium water-soluble fertilizer during the expansion stage, and use calcium and magnesium foliar fertilizer to prevent fruit cracking. Focus on preventing wilt disease and thrips damage.
By accurately grasping the planting season and standardizing cultivation management, combined with green pest and disease control, it is possible to achieve a yield of 4000-5000 kg per mu. With the progress of facility agriculture, the benefits of off-season watermelon planting have significantly increased, and growers can flexibly adjust planting arrangements according to market demand.