How to Grow Orange Watermelon

Surprised With How To Grow Orange With Watermelon for beginners

Choosing the Right Variety

Selecting the appropriate variety is crucial for a successful orange watermelon harvest. Different varieties offer distinct characteristics, such as size, shape, sweetness, and growth habits. Carefully consider your climate, growing conditions, and personal preferences when choosing the right variety.

Here's a table comparing some popular orange watermelon varieties:

VarietySizeShapeSweetnessGrowing Season

Orange Crisp	Medium (10-18 lbs)	Oblong	High	90-100 days
Orange Glow	Large (15-25 lbs)	Oval	Moderate	95-105 days
Orangeglo	Medium (12-20 lbs)	Oblong	High	90-100 days
Tender Candy	Small (6-10 lbs)	Round	Very High	80-90 days

Popular Orange Watermelon Varieties

• Orange Crisp: A medium-sized, oblong variety with a crisp, sweet flesh and a bright orange rind.
• Orange Glow: Produces large, oval melons with a vibrant orange rind and moderately sweet flesh.
• Orangeglo: Known for its high sugar content and juicy, orange-fleshed fruits.
• Tender Candy: A smaller, round variety with an exceptionally sweet flavor and a thin, edible rind.

Climate and Growing Zone Considerations

Orange watermelons thrive in warm, sunny climates and prefer temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C). They typically grow best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-11, but most varieties require a long, hot growing season of at least 80-100 days. Ensure your location receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily and has well-draining soil.

Planting and Spacing

Proper planting techniques are essential for a bountiful orange watermelon harvest. Whether you're starting from seeds or transplants, pay close attention to spacing and depth requirements.

Orange watermelons require ample space to spread their vines and develop their large fruits. Plan to space them 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) apart, or alternatively, plant them in hills spaced 6-8 feet apart with 2-3 plants per hill.

Seed Starting

If starting from seeds, sow them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date. Use a seed-starting mix and plant the seeds 1-inch (2.5 cm) deep. Maintain a soil temperature of 75-85°F (24-29°C) for optimal germination. Once seedlings have their first true leaves, transplant them into larger containers or biodegradable pots, gradually hardening them off before transplanting outdoors.

Transplanting

When transplanting seedlings or purchased transplants, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Harden off the plants for about a week before planting, gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and plant the watermelon at the same depth as it was in the container. Water thoroughly after transplanting.

Direct Sowing

If direct sowing, prepare the planting area by removing weeds and amending the soil with compost or well-rotted manure. Sow the seeds 1-inch (2.5 cm) deep and 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) apart, or in hills spaced 6-8 feet apart with 2-3 seeds per hill. Once the seedlings emerge, thin out the weaker ones, leaving only the strongest plant in each spot or hill.

Soil Preparation and Fertilization

Orange watermelons require nutrient-rich, well-draining soil to thrive. Proper soil preparation and fertilization are essential for optimal growth and fruit production.

Before planting, it's crucial to test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. Orange watermelons prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Soil Testing

You can purchase a soil test kit from your local garden center or send a sample to a professional lab for analysis. The test results will provide valuable information about your soil's nutrient levels and pH, allowing you to make appropriate amendments.

Soil Amendments

If your soil is lacking in nutrients or has poor drainage, consider adding organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or peat moss. These amendments will improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. For sandy soils, add compost or peat moss to increase water-holding capacity. For clay soils, incorporate aged manure or compost to improve drainage and aeration.

Fertilizer Application

Orange watermelons are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions or use a combination of organic fertilizers like aged manure, compost, or fish emulsion. Fertilize at planting time and again when the vines begin to run and set fruit.

Watering and Irrigation

Proper watering is crucial for orange watermelon growth and fruit development. These melons have high water requirements and are sensitive to drought stress, which can lead to poor fruit quality and reduced yields.

Consistent moisture is essential, especially during the flowering and fruit development stages. Aim to provide about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of water per week, adjusting as needed based on rainfall and soil conditions.

Watering Frequency and Amount

During the early growth stages, water orange watermelon plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on your soil type and weather conditions. As the plants mature and fruits begin to develop, increase watering to 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) per week, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Irrigation Methods

Several irrigation methods can be effective for orange watermelons:

• Drip Irrigation: This water-efficient method applies water directly to the root zone, reducing water waste and minimizing disease risk.
• Soaker Hoses: Lay soaker hoses along the plant rows, allowing water to slowly seep into the soil near the roots.
• Furrow Irrigation: Create shallow furrows between the rows and allow water to flow down the furrows, reaching the plant roots.

Mulching

Applying a 2-4 inch (5-10 cm) layer of organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or bark chips, around the plants can help conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. Mulching also regulates soil temperature, providing a more favorable environment for root growth and fruit development.

Grow Orange Watermelon

As the plants grow and vines begin to spread, providing proper support, training, and pest management will ensure a successful orange watermelon harvest.

Orange watermelons are vigorous vines that can sprawl over a large area. While trellising is not strictly necessary, it can help maximize space and improve air circulation, potentially reducing disease issues.

Trellising and Support

If trellising, use a sturdy support system such as a wire cage or A-frame trellis. Gently guide the vines onto the trellis as they grow, being careful not to damage the stems or leaves. Alternatively, you can allow the vines to sprawl on the ground, ensuring they have ample space and protecting them from foot traffic.

Pruning and Training

Pruning and training orange watermelon vines can promote better fruit production and air circulation. Once the vines have developed several leaves and begun to spread, prune off the end of the main vine to encourage lateral growth and fruit set. Remove any crowded or overlapping vines, leaving only the strongest and most productive ones.

Pest and Disease Management

Orange watermelons can be susceptible to various pests and diseases, including aphids, cucumber beetles, powdery mildew, and bacterial wilt. Regularly monitor your plants for signs of damage or disease and take prompt action to prevent further spread.

For pest control, consider using organic methods such as introducing beneficial insects, applying neem oil or insecticidal soap, or using row covers. For disease management, practice crop rotation, remove affected plant material, and apply organic fungicides or copper-based products if necessary.