How long does it take for a watermelon to mature?
Today, Xiaobian will explain to you how many days it takes for watermelon to mature and how many days it takes to grow. The details are as follows: Watermelon is a popular summer fruit. Its sweet taste and rich nutrition make it the first choice to quench the heat. However, many growers or enthusiasts have questions about the growth cycle and maturity time of watermelon. This article will explain in detail the growth cycle of watermelon from sowing to maturity, and analyze the key factors affecting maturity to help growers cultivate scientifically.
###The growth cycle of watermelon watermelon usually takes-70 to 110 days from sowing to ripening-the specific time varies depending on factors such as variety, climatic conditions, and cultivation management. According to the division of growth stages, the life cycle of watermelon can be divided into the following periods: 1. - - Germination period (5 - 10 days)- -
After watermelon seeds are sown under suitable conditions (25 - 30℃, soil humidity 60%-70%), they usually germinate in 5 - 10 days. If the temperature is low or the soil moisture is insufficient, the germination time may be extended to 15 days. 2. - - Seedling stage (20 - 30 days)- -
It usually takes 20 to 30 days for watermelon seedlings to grow 4 to 5 true leaves. At this stage, attention should be paid to controlling water to prevent excessive growth and ensuring sufficient light. 3. - - Stretch period (15 - 25 days)- -
Plants begin to grow vines rapidly and differentiate into flower buds, which usually lasts for 15 to 25 days. During this period, reasonable fertilization (balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and adjustment of plant spacing (recommended 1.5 - 2 meters) are needed. 4. - - Flowering and fruiting period (8 - 12 days)- -
After the female flower is pollinated, the young fruit begins to develop. Under natural conditions, insects such as bees can help pollinate; artificial planting can use artificial pollination to improve fruit setting rate. 5. - - Fruit expansion period (20 - 35 days)- -
This is a critical stage that determines the yield and quality of watermelon, and sufficient water and fertilizer (mainly potassium fertilizer) need to be ensured. At this time, the soil water content should be maintained at 70%~80% to avoid fruit cracking due to sudden drying and wetting. 6. - - Maturity period (7 - 10 days)- -
Fruit sugar accumulation reaches its peak, the skin deepens in color, and makes a dull sound when slapped. Some varieties (such as "Ice Sugar Kirin") mature quickly, about 25 days; while large-fruit varieties (such as "Black Beauty") may take more than 35 days.## Key factors affecting watermelon ripening 1. - - Variety differences- -
- - -Early-maturing varieties- -: For example,"Jingxin 1" has a growing period of 70 to 80 days and has smaller fruits (usually 4 to 6 kilograms).
- - -Medium-maturing varieties- -: For example,"Xinong 8" has a growth period of 85 to 100 days and a single fruit weighs 8 to 12 kilograms.
- - -Late-maturing varieties- -: For example,"Xinhongbao" has a growth period of 100 to 110 days and is resistant to storage and transportation but requires high accumulated temperature. 2. - - Climatic conditions- -
- - -Temperature- -: The optimal growth temperature is 25~30℃. Below 15℃ or above 35℃ will delay maturity.
- - -Light- -: The average daily sunshine needs more than 6 hours. Insufficient light will prolong the growth period by 5 to 7 days.
- - -Precipitation-: Rainfall during flowering period affects pollination, and heavy rainfall during mature period may lead to a decrease in sugar content. 3. - - Cultivation management- -
- - -Pruning method- -: Double-vine pruning can ripen 3 to 5 days ahead of schedule, but the yield is low; three-vine pruning delays ripening but has high yield.
- - -Fertilization strategy- -: Increased application of organic fertilizer can improve quality, and excessive nitrogen fertilizer will delay ripening and reduce sweetness.
- - -Plastic film mulching- -: Black plastic film can increase the ground temperature and advance the maturity period by 7 to 10 days.### Practical tips for judging the maturity of a watermelon 1. - - Observe the tendrils- -: When the tendrils near the fruit stalk wither more than 2/3, the maturity reaches more than 90%.
2. - - Tap and listen- -: Mature watermelon makes a dull "pop" sound, and the unripe melon makes a crisp sound.
3. - - Changes in the peel- -: The part in contact with the ground turns from white to yellow, and the lines of the striped varieties are clear and deepened.
4. - - Accumulated temperature calculation- -: Early-maturing varieties require effective accumulated temperature of 800~1000℃, and medium and late-maturing varieties require 1200~1500℃.### Planting suggestions for extending the (G-Y) period of watermelon 1. - - Variety matching- -: Early, medium and late-maturing varieties are planted in a ratio of 3:5:2, which can extend the harvest period by 40 to 50 days.
2. - - Sowing in stages- -: Open field cultivation can be divided into 3 to 4 batches, with an interval of 15 to 20 days.
3. - - Facility cultivation- -: Greenhouse planting can mature 20 to 30 days earlier than in the open field, and autumn planting can be extended to October.### FAQs- -Q: What happens if the watermelon is ripe and not picked? - -
A: Overripening will cause the flesh to be soft, the sugar content will decrease, and the fruit will easily crack and attract pests. It is recommended to harvest at 95% maturity. - -Q: How to speed up the ripening of watermelon? - -
A: Select early-maturing varieties, control water and nitrogen, increase the temperature difference between day and night (above 10℃), and artificially thin fruits (leaving 1 - 2 fruits per plant). - -Q: Why do watermelons mature differently in the same plot? - -
A: It may be related to differences in pollination time, fruit placement location (main vines are 3 to 5 days earlier than side vines), and changes in microenvironment. Through scientific management and variety selection, growers can effectively control the maturity time of watermelon and achieve high yield and high quality. By mastering these key technical points, whether it is family planting or large-scale production, you can get an ideal harvest.
The above [] describes how long it takes for watermelon to mature and how many days it takes for its growth period to be used for reference by green plant fans, hoping to solve your problems in green plant flower management.