How to Plant Watermelon Seeds for Germination
Below is an in-depth introduction for netizens on how to plant watermelon seeds to ensure germination, as well as related knowledge about watermelon cultivation methods and techniques. Keep reading for more details!
“One bite and the smoky flavor is gone, the moment it touches the teeth it sounds like ice and snow.” This is the ode to watermelon by the famous poet Wen Tianxiang. Watermelon is a common fruit in our lives. It can quench thirst and has a diuretic effect, especially popular in summer, earning the reputation of the “King of Midsummer.” Watermelon not only tastes sweet with abundant juice but also contains many beneficial components for the human body. Watermelon is also a fruit with high economic value. Let's take a look at how to cultivate it and some management matters related to watermelon.
1. Watermelon Cultivation Techniques
1. Seed Disinfection
Seeds must be disinfected before sowing. Generally, seeds are soaked in a 50% carbendazim solution diluted 500 times for one hour. If you want to save time, you can use a 2% to 4% bleach solution for disinfection, reducing the time to half an hour. Be sure to pay attention to the concentration ratio of the disinfectant solution.
2. Seed Soaking
Soaking seeds can effectively shorten the germination time. Since the outer layer of watermelon seeds is relatively thick and has poor water permeability, the seeds should be soaked for 8 hours.
3. Germination
The temperature requirement for germination is 29°C to 30°C. Common germination methods include using a constant temperature box, a fireclay bed, or body heat. Considering the characteristics of watermelon seeds and convenience, it is recommended to use a fireclay bed for germination. The specific operation is to wrap the seeds in a damp cloth, roll the damp cloth well, put it in a plastic bag, and place it under the bedding of the fireclay bed for germination. Adjust the position of the seeds according to the temperature. You can also place the seeds in a pot or near the pot based on the principle of fireclay bed germination.
4. Seedling Raising
Watermelon seeding can be done through direct seeding or seedling transplanting. Seedling transplanting promotes healthier seed growth. During the seedling transplanting process, the use of nutrient pots is helpful to avoid damaging the plant roots. The soil should be of moderate粘度, and fertilizers can include matured cake fertilizer or organic manure, with a soil and fertilizer ratio of 7:3. It is also necessary to add an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and fungicides.
5. Timely Sowing
Sowing can be done when the soil temperature is maintained above 15°C. However, the sowing time can also be chosen based on the situation and planting method.
6. Precautions during Sowing
(1) The depth of sowing should be appropriate. Decide the depth of planting according to the size of the seeds, with larger seeds buried deeper and smaller ones shallower, with a coverage thickness of about 1.5cm being ideal.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and oval. When sowing, place them flat to reduce the likelihood of hat emergence and promote seed growth.
(3) Do not sow when the temperature is too low. It's best to wait until the seedbed temperature stabilizes at around 25°C before proceeding.
(4) Keep the bottom of the bed soil moist, water first, and then sow. Place one seed in each nutrient pot, cover with a layer of fine soil, and then add a layer of plastic film, which is conducive to seed germination.
7. Seedbed Management
The temperature of the seedbed should be maintained at around 30°C. After the seedlings have grown their first true leaves, the temperature can be slightly increased. In the early stage, the seedbed should be kept warm by covering it with insulating materials at night. When cold air masses arrive, artificial insulation should be provided for the seedlings.
8. Planting Density
The planting density should be determined based on the variety. Generally, the standard is 400 to 700 seedlings per 667㎡.
2. Management Methods
1. Land Selection and Fertilization
Soil that is deep, loose, and well-drained is suitable for cultivating watermelon, preferably sandy soil. Organic fertilizers and cake fertilizers can be used as basal fertilizers, and a small amount of inorganic fertilizers can be added. The elements nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should not be lacking.
2. Timely Planting
Seedlings can be transplanted after they have grown 2 to 3 true leaves, with different varieties having different transplanting times. If using wide ridges, plant two rows, and if using narrow ridges, plant one row. Cover the plastic film during transplanting.
3. Pruning and Pressing Vines
Three-vine pruning is the most common method. When the main vine has grown 8 to 9 leaves, select two side vines with good growth. When the vines reach 50cm long, press them with soil, combining pruning and pressing every 3 to 4 nodes, and each vine should be pressed 2 to 3 times.
4. Setting and Turning Watermelons
Leave the second and third female flowers on the main vine or the first and second on the side vines for fruit setting. When pollination is hindered by low temperatures and rainy days, manual pollination should be assisted. After the fruit has reached a certain size, it should be turned over, making sure to turn in one direction, and each time, turn one-third of the watermelon.
5. Water and Fertilizer Management
When the plant has grown to the size of an egg, it is about to enter the expansion period. At this time, apply expansion fertilizers based on the growth of the watermelon, generally 15 to 20 kg of controlled-release potassium sulfate fertilizers per mu. Watering should be done in the early morning or evening when the temperature is lower, and after rain, accumulated water in the field should be drained promptly.
6. Timely Harvesting
Harvesting is best done in the morning when the temperature conditions are more suitable. If the distance for marketing and transportation is far and takes a long time, the watermelon can be harvested when it is 80% ripe. If sold locally, it can be harvested at 90% ripeness.
7. Disease and Pest Control
Mainly control wilt disease, anthracnose, viral diseases, and pests such as red spiders, yellow melon beetles, and melon borers. Promptly remove affected branches, vines, and seedlings, and use corresponding agents to treat the watermelons.
The above sharing on how to plant watermelon seeds for germination and detailed introduction of watermelon cultivation methods and techniques are hoped to bring some knowledge of flowers to green plant enthusiasts.