How Long Does It Take a Jubilee Watermelon to Grow?

Jubilee Watermelon Harvest! Easy Vine Removal Means Ripe!

What is a Jubilee Watermelon?

The jubilee watermelon is an heirloom variety that originated in the early 20th century in the Southern United States. It was developed by crossing the citron watermelon with the Russian watermelon, resulting in a melon with a distinct elongated shape and a striking dark green rind with bold stripes.

Some of the key features that make the jubilee watermelon stand out include:

1. Exceptional sweetness: Jubilee watermelons are renowned for their incredibly high sugar content, making them one of the sweetest watermelon varieties available.
2. Distinctive flavor: In addition to their sweetness, jubilee watermelons have a rich, almost honey-like flavor that sets them apart from other melons.
3. Crisp, juicy flesh: The flesh of a jubilee watermelon is bright red, firm, and incredibly juicy, offering a refreshing and satisfying eating experience.
4. Elongated shape: Unlike the typical round watermelons, jubilee watermelons have an oblong, elongated shape that can reach lengths of up to 24 inches.
5. Dark green rind with bold stripes: The rind of a jubilee watermelon is a deep green color, adorned with bold, irregular stripes that create a visually striking appearance.

Growing Requirements

To cultivate a successful crop of jubilee watermelons, gardeners must ensure that the growing conditions meet the specific requirements of this variety. The following table outlines the optimal growing conditions for jubilee watermelons:

RequirementOptimal Condition

Soil Type	Well-draining, sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8
Sunlight	Full sun exposure (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day)
Water	Consistent moisture, with approximately 1-2 inches of water per week
Temperature	Warm temperatures between 70°F and 85°F during the growing season

Jubilee Watermelon Growth Stages

The growth cycle of a jubilee watermelon spans several distinct stages, each with its own unique characteristics and timelines.

The jubilee watermelon’s growth journey typically follows these stages:

1. Germination and Seedling Stage: After planting the seeds, germination usually occurs within 5-10 days when soil temperatures reach around 70°F. The seedlings will emerge, and the first true leaves will appear within 2-3 weeks.
2. Vine and Flower Development: As the plant matures, it will produce vines that can spread up to 20 feet in length. Flowering typically occurs around 4-6 weeks after germination, with male flowers appearing first, followed by female flowers a week later. Successful pollination is crucial for fruit set.
3. Fruit Set and Growth: Once the female flowers are pollinated, the tiny watermelon fruits will begin to form and develop. The fruit growth rate accelerates during the warmer summer months, with the melons reaching their full size within 90-100 days after pollination.

Factors Affecting Growth Time

While the typical growth cycle of a jubilee watermelon is around 90-100 days from pollination to maturity, several factors can influence the overall growth time and development of the crop.

Climate and weather conditions play a significant role in the growth rate of jubilee watermelons. Consistent warm temperatures between 70°F and 85°F during the growing season are ideal, while cooler temperatures can slow down growth and development. Additionally, adequate rainfall or irrigation is crucial, as watermelons require consistent moisture throughout their growth cycle.

Soil quality and nutrient availability also impact the growth rate of jubilee watermelons. Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a balanced pH level is essential for optimal growth. Proper fertilization practices, including the application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, can help ensure that the plants receive the necessary nutrients for healthy development.

Pest and disease management is another critical factor in ensuring a successful jubilee watermelon crop. Common pests like aphids, cucumber beetles, and vine borers can cause significant damage to the plants, stunting growth and reducing yields. Implementing preventative measures and addressing infestations promptly can help mitigate the impact of pests and diseases on the growth of your jubilee watermelons.

Harvesting and Storage

As the jubilee watermelons approach maturity, it’s important to recognize the signs of readiness for harvesting to ensure optimal flavor and quality.

The following indicators can help determine when a jubilee watermelon is ready for harvesting:

• The underside of the melon, where it rests on the ground, develops a creamy or yellow spot.
• The rind takes on a dull, matte appearance, losing its glossy sheen.
• The tendril nearest the stem of the melon turns brown and dries up.
• When tapped, the melon produces a hollow, resonant sound.

Once you’ve identified the signs of maturity, it’s time to harvest your jubilee watermelons. Here are the proper harvesting techniques:

1. Using a sharp knife or pruning shears, carefully cut the stem about 2-3 inches from the melon, leaving a short stem attached.
2. Handle the melons gently to avoid bruising or damaging the rind.
3. If possible, harvest early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler to prevent heat stress on the melons.

After harvesting, proper storage is crucial to prolonging the shelf life of your jubilee watermelons. Keep them in a cool, well-ventilated area, ideally around 55°F to 65°F. Under optimal storage conditions, jubilee watermelons can last up to 2-3 weeks after harvesting.

Conclusion

Understanding the growth cycle and specific requirements of jubilee watermelons is essential for cultivating a successful and bountiful crop. From planting to harvesting, each stage plays a crucial role in the development of these exceptional melons. By providing the ideal growing conditions, managing pests and diseases, and recognizing the signs of maturity, gardeners can enjoy the unparalleled sweetness and flavor of these prized heirloom watermelons. With patience, care, and attention to detail, the journey of growing jubilee watermelons can be a rewarding and delicious experience.