How to grow watermelons to be big and sweet
Are you curious about how to grow watermelons to be big and sweet and share knowledge about green plant and flower cultivation techniques? The following is a detailed introduction.
The most important factor for selling watermelons successfully is their sweetness, which is related to the sugar content. The higher the sugar content, the sweeter the watermelon. The sugar content of watermelons is associated with the variety and cultivation methods. Varieties with high sugar content are sweeter. During cultivation, improving the photosynthetic efficiency of the plants, promoting the formation of organic matter, and its conversion to sugar can increase the sweetness of watermelons.
Key points for planting methods to increase the sweetness of watermelons:
① Choose sandy loam soil with a high potassium content for planting watermelons.
If the soil is heavy, it needs to be improved to increase its permeability.
② Scientific fertilization
Mainly use base and organic fertilizers, with a small amount of topdressing, supplemented with boron and zinc fertilizers. The ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be 3:1:2. During the vine elongation period, foliar fertilizers should be applied appropriately, and during the fruit expansion period, reduce nitrogen fertilizers and increase potassium fertilizers. Avoid excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers.
③ Light environment
“Sunbathe when young, cover when mature.” Watermelons love light. Insufficient light in the early stages can lead to slow fruit development and low sugar content, while excessive light in the later stages can cause the fruit to crack, especially after summer rain and direct sunlight.
④ Frequent light watering, water control before harvest
Watermelons absorb a lot of water during their growth period, but they are not tolerant to flooding. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. If the soil moisture content is low before harvest, the watermelons will be sweeter. Watering can be stopped about one week before harvest.
⑤ Harvest at the right time
Watermelons have the highest sweetness when ripe. After ripening, the fruit begins to age, and the sweetness decreases. It should be harvested in a timely manner. On hot days, it can be harvested 1-2 days earlier. The longer the harvest time is delayed or advanced, the lower the sweetness.
For greenhouse and protected watermelon cultivation, methods such as increasing light intensity, enhancing day-night temperature differences, extending the duration of light, and applying additional carbon dioxide can be used to increase sugar content.
The comprehensive explanation of how to grow watermelons to be big and sweet and sharing watermelon cultivation techniques provided above is hoped to be of help to you.