When is the best time to plant watermelons?
In comparison with the introductions to the best time for planting watermelons for the majority of people, let's take a look together!
-- When is the best time to plant watermelons? -- Planting watermelons is an agricultural activity that requires careful planning and scientific management, and choosing the right planting time is one of the key factors to ensure high yield and quality of watermelons. As a warm-loving crop, watermelons have high requirements for temperature, light, and water, so the selection of planting time directly affects their growth cycle, fruit quality, and yield.
-- I. Basic Requirements for Watermelon Growth -- To determine the best planting time for watermelons, it is first necessary to understand the basic requirements for watermelon growth. Watermelons are典型的 warm-loving crops, with the most suitable growth temperature being 25℃-30℃. The minimum temperature for seed germination is 15℃, with the optimal temperature being 28℃-30℃. If the temperature is below 15℃, seed germination will be hindered, and may even lead to seed rot. The growth cycle of watermelons is generally 80-120 days, divided into germination period, seedling stage, vine extension stage, and flowering and fruiting stage. Each stage has different requirements for temperature, light, and water, but overall, warm weather and abundant sunlight are necessary conditions for the healthy growth of watermelons.
-- II. Recommended Planting Times for Major Regions in China -- China has a vast territory with significant climatic differences between the north and south, so the planting time for watermelons also varies by region. Here are recommendations for watermelon planting times in different regions of China: 1. -- Northern regions (such as Northeast, North China, Northwest) -- The spring temperatures in the northern regions warm up slowly, and the duration of high temperatures in summer is short, so the planting time for watermelons is relatively late. Generally, the outdoor planting time for watermelons in the northern regions is from mid-April to early May. At this time, the temperature is stable above 15℃, which is suitable for the germination of watermelon seeds and the growth of seedlings. If using plastic film mulching or greenhouse planting, it can be appropriately moved forward to late March to early April to extend the growth cycle of watermelons and increase yield. 2. -- Huanghuai region (such as Henan, Shandong, northern Jiangsu) -- The climate in the Huanghuai region is mild, and the spring temperatures warm up quickly, making it suitable for early spring planting of watermelons. The general outdoor planting time for watermelons in this region is from late March to mid-April. If using seedling transplanting, the sowing time can be moved forward to early March, and then transplanted to the field after the temperature rises. The summer in the Huanghuai region has long periods of high temperatures and large temperature differences between day and night, which is conducive to the accumulation of sugar in watermelons, so the quality of watermelons in this region is usually good. 3. -- Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River (such as Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi) -- The spring in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River is rainy with large temperature fluctuations, so the planting time for watermelons needs to be carefully chosen. The general outdoor planting time for watermelons in this region is from early April to late April. To avoid the adverse effects of the rainy season on watermelon growth, you can choose well-drained fields and adopt measures such as high ridges cultivation or deep ditch drainage. In addition, the high temperature and humidity environment in the summer of this region is prone to diseases, so planters need to strengthen pest and disease control. 4. -- South China region (such as Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan) -- The climate in the South China region is warm and humid, with a long frost-free period, making it suitable for early spring and late autumn planting of watermelons. The general planting time for early spring watermelons in this region is from late January to early February, and the planting time for late autumn watermelons is from mid-September to early October. The summer in the South China region is hot and rainy, which is not conducive to the growth of watermelons, so it is not recommended to plant watermelons in the summer. In addition, the region can fully utilize its climatic advantages to develop off-season watermelon planting to achieve higher economic benefits.
-- III. Adjusting Planting Times Under Special Climatic Conditions -- 1. -- Low Temperature and Cold Wave Weather -- If the planting period encounters low temperature and cold wave weather, the growth of watermelons will be severely affected. Therefore, planters need to pay close attention to weather forecasts and choose stable temperature periods for planting. If the cold wave lasts for a long time, measures such as covering with plastic film or building small greenhouses can be taken to keep warm, or the planting time can be postponed. 2. -- Planting in the Rainy Season -- Watermelons are not tolerant of waterlogging, and if planted during the rainy season, it can easily lead to root hypoxia and affect plant growth. Therefore, in areas with more rainy seasons, it is recommended to choose well-drained fields for planting and adopt measures such as high ridge cultivation or deep ditch drainage. In addition, planting can be carried out after the rainy season ends to reduce the risk of waterlogging. 3. -- High Temperature and Drought Weather -- High temperature and drought weather in the summer is also not conducive to the growth of watermelons, easily leading to sunscald and insufficient water. Therefore, in high temperature and drought areas, it is recommended to choose heat-tolerant varieties and strengthen irrigation management to ensure plant water (G-Y).
-- IV. Planting Times for Different Planting Methods -- In addition to outdoor planting, watermelons can also be planted using greenhouses, plastic film mulching, and seedling transplanting methods, which can appropriately advance or delay the planting time to adapt to different climatic conditions and market demands. 1. -- Greenhouse Planting -- Greenhouse planting can effectively regulate temperature and humidity, providing a more suitable growing environment for watermelons. Therefore, the planting time for greenhouse-grown watermelons can be 1-2 months earlier than outdoor planting. For example, in the northern regions, the planting time for greenhouse-grown watermelons can be moved forward to late February to early March, thus being able to be listed on the market earlier in May-June and obtaining higher economic benefits. 2. -- Plastic Film Mulching -- Plastic film mulching can raise soil temperatures and promote seed germination and seedling growth. The planting time for watermelons with plastic film mulching is generally 1-2 weeks earlier than outdoor planting. For example, in the Huanghuai region, the planting time for watermelons with plastic film mulching can be moved forward to mid-March. 3. -- Seedling Transplanting -- Seedling transplanting can shorten the growth cycle of watermelons in the field and improve land use efficiency. Seedlings are generally raised in greenhouses or greenhouses, and transplanted to the field when they have 2-3 true leaves. The planting time for watermelons with seedling transplanting can be 2-3 weeks earlier than outdoor planting.
-- V. Summary -- The best planting time for watermelons varies by region, climate, and planting method. Overall, the suitable planting time for the northern regions is from mid-April to early May, the Huanghuai region from late March to mid-April, the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River from early April to late April, and the South China region from late January to early February or from mid-September to early October. Planters should choose the appropriate planting time based on local climatic conditions and market demands, and combine scientific planting management techniques to improve the yield and quality of watermelons.
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