Growing watermelon is one of the most rewarding experiences for any gardener. The juicy, sweet fruit is not only a delicious treat but also part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Knowing the watermelon plant stages is a great way to grow and enjoy one of the most popular summer fruits!
What is Watermelon Fruit?
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a juicy, sweet, and nutritious fruit that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is a vining plant of annual duration with large leaves and yellow flowers.
The fruit can range in size from 5 to 200 pounds and its rinds are usually striped or spotted green in color. The fleshy inside is mostly red but can also be yellow or white depending on the variety and typically contains black seeds.
The ripe fruit makes a great snack fresh or as a side dish, but it can also be juiced. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, B6, and potassium.
Watermelon Plant Stages
When planting watermelon, it is important to understand the stages of growth for your local climate and soil type. Below are more details about each stage a watermelon goes through. Here are the watermelon plant stages:
- Planting
- Seed Germination
- Sprouting
- Vegetative Stage
- Branching
- Flowering and Pollination
- Fruit Setting
- Maturity and Harvesting
Planting/Watermelon Seedling Stage
Before you can start seeing any fruit, you must plant watermelon seeds in the ground. When planting, make sure to give your watermelon seedlings plenty of room so that their roots have enough space to grow and develop.
Planting should be done any time between April and June in most climates. Make sure to use soil with good drainage and high fertility for success.
Germination Stage
In this initial stage of plant development, the seed absorbs moisture and swells up until it cracks open. The seedling then starts to break through the soil and reach for sunlight.
It is important to remember that the best soil temperature during germination should be at least 70 degrees fahrenheit (21°C). Use a sandy soil with plenty of organic material for best results.
Sprouting
The sprouting stage is when the watermelon seedling grows its first set of true leaves and branches out, which is a sign that the plant has entered its vegetative stage.
During this time, it is important to ensure proper soil moisture and nutrition. Fertilizer may be necessary depending on the quality of your soil. Avoid a low-nitrogen fertilizer and use one with plenty of phosphorus for healthy watermelons.
Vegetative Stage
The vegetative stage of growth is when watermelon plants begin to spread their roots and grow larger leaves. During this time, the plants are establishing more leaves and growing larger.
If you live in an area with shorter seasons, this stage may be skipped altogether; however, if you live in a warmer climate, it is important to encourage growth during this stage by providing plenty of water and nutrients such as nitrogen.
Branching
Once the watermelon plant has gone through the vegetative stage, it begins to branch out and put out lateral stems. During this stage, you may see some flowers appearing on the plant as well. This is an indicator that pollination is about to begin.
Flowering Period
In this part of the plant’s life cycle, flowers begin to form on the watermelon plant. Male and female watermelon flowers will appear separately, male flowers first, then female flowers.
The male flowers typically bloom first; they are usually white or yellow in color and contain pollen-producing anthers. The female flowers look similar to the male flowers but have a miniature fruit behind them that grows into the watermelon.