How to Grow Watermelon in Alabama

Watermelon Farmers – America's Heartland

Choosing the Right Watermelon Variety

Selecting the right watermelon variety is crucial for achieving a bountiful harvest in Alabama's climate. Different varieties have varying characteristics, such as size, maturity period, disease resistance, and flavor. Consider the following popular options and factors when making your choice:

VarietySizeDays to MaturityDisease ResistanceNotes

Crimson Sweet	Large (16-25 lbs)	85-90	Moderately resistant to Fusarium wilt, Anthracnose	Sweet, deep red flesh
Sugar Baby	Small (6-12 lbs)	75-85	Resistant to Anthracnose, Fusarium wilt	Icebox size, sweet flavor
Charleston Gray	Large (20-35 lbs)	90-100	Resistant to Fusarium wilt, Anthracnose	Long storage life, gray-green rind
All Sweet	Large (18-24 lbs)	90-95	Resistant to Fusarium wilt, Anthracnose	Sweet, crisp flesh

Popular Watermelon Varieties for Alabama

• Crimson Sweet: A classic variety known for its large size, deep red flesh, and excellent flavor. It's a popular choice among Alabama gardeners and performs well in the state's climate.
• Sugar Baby: A smaller, icebox-sized watermelon perfect for smaller gardens or families. It has a sweet taste and is resistant to common diseases like Anthracnose and Fusarium wilt.
• Charleston Gray: Known for its distinctive gray-green rind, this large watermelon variety offers long storage life and resistance to Fusarium wilt and Anthracnose.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Varieties

When choosing watermelon varieties for Alabama, consider the following factors:

• Heat tolerance: Select varieties that can withstand Alabama's hot summers and maintain their quality and flavor.
• Disease resistance: Look for varieties with resistance to common watermelon diseases like Fusarium wilt, Anthracnose, and powdery mildew, which can be prevalent in the state's humid conditions.
• Yield: Consider the size and productivity of the variety to ensure a bountiful harvest.
• Maturity period: Choose varieties that mature within Alabama's growing season, typically between 75 and 100 days.

Preparing the Soil and Planting

Proper soil preparation and planting techniques are essential for establishing a healthy watermelon crop in Alabama. Follow these steps for successful planting:

Watermelons thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8. Amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage before planting.

Soil Requirements

• pH level: Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Test your soil and adjust the pH if necessary.
• Fertility: Watermelons require fertile soil rich in organic matter. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting.
• Drainage: Watermelons prefer well-draining soil to prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues.

Planting Methods

• Direct seeding: Sow watermelon seeds directly into the ground after the last frost date, when soil temperatures reach at least 70°F (21°C). Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 6-8 feet apart in rows or hills.
• Transplanting: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, and transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening them off. Space transplants 6-8 feet apart in rows or hills.

Caring for Watermelon Plants

Proper care and maintenance are essential for ensuring healthy watermelon plant growth and a bountiful harvest. Here are some key considerations:

Watermelons have high water needs, especially during fruit development. Provide consistent moisture by watering deeply and regularly, aiming for 1-2 inches of water per week.

Watering Needs

• Frequency: Water watermelons once or twice a week, depending on soil moisture levels and weather conditions.
• Methods: Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing water loss and preventing disease.
• Signs of over/under-watering: Watch for wilting or yellowing leaves, which can indicate overwatering or underwatering, respectively.

Fertilizing

Watermelons are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization:

• Starter fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or a slow-release fertilizer at planting time.
• Side-dressing: Once vines begin to run, side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer like 34-0-0 or compost tea every 4-6 weeks.
• Foliar feeding: Supplement with a water-soluble fertilizer or seaweed extract during the fruiting stage for an extra nutrient boost.

Mulching and Weed Control

• Benefits of mulching: Spread a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch like straw, leaves, or pine bark around plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperatures.
• Weed control: Regular weeding or using a pre-emergent herbicide can help prevent weeds from competing with watermelon plants for nutrients and moisture.

Pest and Disease Management

Like any crop, watermelons can be susceptible to various pests and diseases in Alabama's climate. Implementing preventive measures and monitoring regularly are crucial for maintaining a healthy crop.

Early detection and management of pests and diseases are key to preventing significant damage to your watermelon crop. Monitor plants regularly and take action promptly if issues arise.

Common Pests

• Cucumber beetles: These striped or spotted beetles can damage watermelon plants by feeding on leaves, stems, and fruits. Control with floating row covers, sticky traps, or insecticidal sprays.
• Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects can transmit viruses and cause plant distortion. Manage with insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, or beneficial insects like ladybugs.
• Squash bugs: These stink bugs can suck plant juices, causing wilting and stunted growth. Remove egg clusters by hand and use insecticidal soap or neem oil for control.

Disease Prevention and Control

• Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits. Rotate crops, use resistant varieties, and apply fungicides if necessary.
• Gummy stem blight: Characterized by brown, gummy lesions on stems and leaves. Practice crop rotation, remove infected plant debris, and apply fungicides as needed.
• Powdery mildew: A white, powdery fungus that can cover leaves and stunt growth. Improve air circulation, use resistant varieties, and apply fungicides if the problem persists.

Harvesting and Storage

Knowing when to harvest and how to properly store your watermelons is essential for enjoying their sweet, juicy flavor.

Watermelons are ready for harvest when they develop a creamy or yellow spot on the underside and produce a hollow sound when thumped.

Signs of Maturity

• Underside color: Look for a creamy or yellowish spot on the underside of the watermelon, indicating it's ripe.
• Hollow sound: Give the watermelon a gentle thump – a dull, hollow sound indicates maturity.
• Tendril browning: The curly tendril closest to the stem should be brown and dried.

Harvesting Techniques

• Cutting: Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the watermelon from the vine, leaving 2-3 inches of stem attached.
• Handling: Gently lift and carry watermelons to avoid bruising or damage.

Storage Tips

• Short-term storage: Watermelons can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Long-term storage: For longer storage, keep watermelons in a cool (50-60°F), humid environment for up to 3-4 weeks.