Contents
How to Grow Watermelon?
Choosing the Right Watermelon Variety
Selecting the appropriate watermelon change is all important for achieving a successful crop in Delaware ’s clime . The DoS ’s humid continental climate , with quick summers and cool winters , gift unequaled challenges for Citrullus vulgaris cultivation . Here are some popular varieties well - beseem for growing in Delaware , along with their key characteristic :
VarietyDays to MaturitySizeDisease ResistanceNotes
Choosing the ripe variety is important for adapt to Delaware ’s growing time of year length and weather term . other ripen variety like Sugar Baby and Yellow Doll are excellent alternative for ensuring a successful harvest before the oncoming of coolheaded temperatures .
Seedless vs. Seeded Varieties
When it comes to watermelon , you have the option of growing seedless or seeded varieties . Seedless watermelon , also known as triploid hybrids , are produce through a specialised breeding unconscious process and offer a smooth , ejaculate - gratuitous eating experience . However , they require careful pollenation from seeded ( diploid ) kind and may be more thought-provoking for household growers .
Seededwatermelon varieties , on the other script , are easier to cultivate and typically more vigorous growers . They get fruits with eatable seeds and can be an excellent choice for Delaware gardener , especially those novel to watermelon culture .
Climate and Growing Conditions
Citrullus vulgaris thrive in fond , sunny term and require a foresighted growing season of at least 80 to 100 days , depending on the salmagundi . Delaware ’s climate is generally suitable for Citrullus vulgaris polish , with average summer temperature ranging from 70 ° F to 85 ° F ( 21 ° C to 29 ° atomic number 6 ) .
watermelon prefer well - drained , fertile grime with a pH chain of 6.0 to 6.8 . Sandy loam or loamy soil are ideal , as they provide upright drain and passion for the plants . fair to middling moisture and sun are also essential for optimum increase and yield growing .
Planting and Caring for Watermelon Plants
Watermelons are typically planted after the last frost date in saltation , when grime temperature arrive at at least 70 ° F ( 21 ° degree Celsius ) . In Delaware , this typically happen in late May or other June . Planting too early can run to stunted development and decreased payoff .
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
take a sunny location with well - drained territory for your Citrullus vulgaris patch . Watermelons require at least 6 to 8 hour of direct sunlight per day and flourish in raised beds or hill , which meliorate drain and soil affectionateness .
Before planting , get up the stain by remove weeds and incorporating well - rotted compost or of age manure to improve birthrate and drainage . watermelon are sonorous self-feeder , so amending the land with constitutional matter is all important for optimum emergence and fruit product .
Watering and Fertilizing
ordered wet is of the essence for Citrullus vulgaris plants , especially during fruit development . Water the plants deeply , get for about 1 to 2 in of water per week , depending on rainfall and dirt condition . ward off overhead lacrimation , as it can promote fungous diseases .
Pest and Disease Management
Like any harvest , watermelons are susceptible to various pests and diseases that can touch on industrial plant health and yields . Being proactive in monitor and implementing appropriate control measure is crucial for a successful harvesting .
Proper site selection , harvest gyration , and maintaining good garden hygienics can facilitate prevent many cuss and disease problems . Additionally , choosing disease - resistant varieties and practice integrated pest management ( IPM ) technique can greatly cut the indigence for chemical substance intercession .
Insect Pests
Several worm pests can pose a terror to Citrullus vulgaris plant in Delaware . Some of the most common include :
To control these cuss , regard implementing the next constitutional and chemical control condition method :
Plant Diseases
Citrullus vulgaris can be susceptible to various fungal , bacterial , and viral diseases . Some common diseases to watch out for include :
To prevent and wield these diseases , consider the following preventative measure and discourse :
Early espial and immediate activeness are essential for efficient disease management in Citrullus vulgaris plants .
Harvesting and Storage
After putting in the effort throughout the growing season , it ’s essential to get it on when and how to harvest your watermelons for optimal tang and shelf life story .
watermelon typically take 80 to 100 days to reach maturity , depending on the diverseness . However , the exact harvest time can vary based on the specific cultivar and growing conditions .
Signs of Ripeness
Several indicators can aid you square up when watermelons are ripe and quick for harvesting :
It ’s significant to glean watermelons quickly once they touch maturity , as leaving them on the vine too long can take to over - ripening and a decrease in quality .
Proper Handling and Storage
After harvesting , handle watermelons cautiously to forbid bruising or impairment . employ a sharp tongue or pruners to cut the stem , leaving about 2 inches of stem attached to the fruit .
For short - condition memory , Citrullus vulgaris can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 weeks . However , for longer storage , it ’s best to refrigerate them at temperature between 50 ° F and 60 ° F ( 10 ° carbon and 15 ° light speed ) . This can extend their shelf lifetime for up to 4 week .
When stash away watermelon , avoid stack them or place heavy objects on top , as this can cause bruising and bowdlerize their storage life .
Conclusion
Growing watermelons in Delaware can be a rewarding and pleasurable experience for gardener of all acquisition levels . By selecting the right variety , supply proper care , and implementing effective pestilence and disease management strategies , you could enjoy a bountiful harvesting of sweetand juicy watermelonsthroughout the summertime months .
Remember to prefer a suitable planting location , pee and fertilise consistently , and monitor for pests and diseases . With patience and dedication , you ’ll be able-bodied to savor the fruits of your Labor Department and share the delicious advantage of homegrown watermelons with family and friends .
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