How to grow SQUARE and Heart shaped WATERMELON | Growing Watermelon from Seed at Home | Melon Hacks

How to Grow Square Watermelons

Have you ever seen those peculiar square watermelons and wondered how they're grown? The process of shaping watermelons into a square form is not only fascinating but also a clever way to maximize space and prevent damage during transportation. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the steps involved in growing square watermelons, from choosing the right variety to harvesting and storage.

The idea of growing square watermelons may seem like a novelty, but it offers several practical benefits. These angular fruits are easier to stack and transport, reducing the risk of bruising and damage. Additionally, their unique shape allows for efficient use of space, making them an attractive choice for urban gardeners or those with limited growing areas.

To kick off your square watermelon growing adventure, the first step is to select the appropriate variety. While most watermelon cultivars can be shaped into squares, some varieties are better suited for this process than others.

Choosing the Right Variety

When it comes to how to grow square watermelons, the variety you choose plays a crucial role. Look for compact or dense-fleshed watermelon types, as they are more likely to retain their square shape during the growth process. Some popular varieties recommended for square shaping include:

• Sugar Baby: A small, icebox-type watermelon with a sweet, crisp flesh and a relatively short growing season.
• Charleston Gray: A classic variety known for its dense, flavorful flesh and strong rind, making it ideal for shaping.
• Golden Midget: A unique watermelon with a stunning golden rind and sweet, yellow flesh, perfect for adding a pop of color to your square watermelons.

Seedless vs. Seeded Watermelons

Another consideration when choosing a variety is whether to grow seedless or seeded watermelons. Seedless watermelons are convenient for eating, but they require specialized pollination techniques and may be more challenging for home growers. Seeded watermelons, on the other hand, are easier to cultivate and often have a more intense flavor.

If you opt for seedless watermelons, be prepared to hand-pollinate the flowers or introduce beehives to your growing area. Seeded varieties are generally more beginner-friendly and still produce delicious square watermelons.

Preparing the Growing Environment

Like any watermelon, square varieties thrive in warm climates with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. Before planting, it's essential to prepare the growing environment to ensure optimal conditions for your watermelons.

Soil Preparation

Watermelons prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8. Amend your planting area with well-rotted compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility and drainage. If your soil is heavy or compacted, consider adding sand or perlite to enhance aeration and prevent waterlogging.

Planting and Spacing

Watermelons are warm-season crops, so it's best to plant them after the last frost date in your area, when soil temperatures have reached at least 70°F (21°C). Sow seeds directly in the ground or start them indoors and transplant the seedlings once the weather is suitable.

When planting, space your watermelon plants approximately 2 to 3 feet apart in rows that are 6 to 8 feet apart. This spacing allows for ample air circulation and room for the vines to spread out as the watermelons grow.

Shaping the Watermelons

The defining characteristic of square watermelons is their unique shape, achieved through the use of molds or boxes. This process requires careful timing and attention to ensure successful shaping without compromising the fruit's growth.

Using Molds or Boxes

Several types of molds or boxes can be used for shaping watermelons. Here's a comparison of some popular options:

Mold/Box TypeDescriptionProsCons

Plastic Molds	Rigid plastic containers with square or cubic shapes	Durable, reusable	Can be expensive, may restrict growth
Wooden Boxes	Handmade or purchased square wooden boxes	Affordable, customizable sizes	May require annual replacement
Glass Cubes	Transparent glass containers with square or cubic shapes	Allows monitoring of growth	Fragile, can overheat fruits

Whichever mold or box you choose, ensure that it is large enough to accommodate the watermelon's growth and has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Timing and Techniques

The optimal time to start shaping your watermelons is when they are about the size of a baseball or a bit larger. Here's a step-by-step guide to the shaping process:

1. Gently place the young watermelon into the mold or box, being careful not to damage the stem or the fruit.
2. Secure the watermelon in place using soft materials like rags or towels to prevent it from shifting.
3. Leave the mold or box in place for several weeks, monitoring the watermelon's growth and adjusting the support materials as needed.
4. Once the watermelon has grown to fill the mold or box, carefully remove the mold or box, leaving the square-shaped watermelon to continue growing.
5. Support the square watermelon with a sling or a sturdy surface to prevent deformation as it reaches its full size.

It's important to note that shaping watermelons can slightly reduce their overall size, but the unique square shape often makes up for the smaller fruit.

Caring for Square Watermelons

Like any watermelon, square varieties require consistent care throughout their growing season. Proper watering, fertilization, and pest management are essential for a healthy and bountiful harvest.

Watering and Fertilizing

Watermelons have high water requirements, especially during the fruiting stage. Aim to provide your plants with approximately 1 to 2 inches of water per week, adjusting as needed based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels.

For fertilization, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting, following the manufacturer's recommended rates. Additionally, side-dress your watermelon plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when the vines begin to run and again when the fruits start to form.

Pest and Disease Management

Square watermelons are susceptible to the same pests and diseases that affect traditional watermelons. Here are some common issues to watch out for and preventive measures to consider:

• Aphids, cucumber beetles, and spider mites: Use row covers or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
• Powdery mildew and other fungal diseases: Practice crop rotation, maintain good air circulation, and apply fungicides if necessary.
• Bacterial wilt and viruses: Remove and destroy infected plants, and control insect vectors like cucumber beetles.

To prevent these problems, consider implementing the following preventive measures:

• Practice crop rotation and good sanitation in your garden.
• Mulch around your watermelon plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
• Inspect plants regularly and take prompt action at the first sign of pests or diseases.
• Use row covers or insect netting to protect plants from pests.
• Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to help control pests naturally.

Harvesting and Storage

As your square watermelons reach maturity, it's essential to know when to harvest them and how to store them properly to ensure optimal flavor and shelf life.

Harvesting Tips

Determining the perfect time to harvest your square watermelons can be a bit tricky, but here are some signs to look for:

• The underside of the watermelon, where it rests on the ground, should have a creamy or yellow spot, indicating full maturity.
• The tendril closest to the stem should be dried and brown.
• Give the watermelon a gentle tap – a dull, hollow sound indicates ripeness.

When harvesting, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the stem, leaving a few inches of stem attached to the watermelon. Avoid twisting or pulling the fruit, as this can damage the rind and cause bruising.

Storage and Shelf Life

Square watermelons can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, but their shelf life can be extended by refrigerating them. In the refrigerator, square watermelons can last for up to three weeks, but it's best to consume them as soon as possible for optimal flavor and texture.

To maximize their shelf life, store square watermelons in a cool, dark place, and avoid stacking them or placing heavy objects on top of them, as this can lead to bruising and spoilage.

Conclusion

Growing square watermelons may seem like a unique and challenging endeavor, but with the right techniques and attention to detail, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.