Mississippi Watermelon Crop – Jasmine Stevenson

How to Grow Watermelon in Mississippi

Growing watermelons in Mississippi can be a rewarding and delicious endeavor. With the state’s warm climate and long growing season, watermelons can thrive when grown with the proper techniques. By selecting the right variety, preparing the soil, and providing attentive care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of juicy watermelons right from your own backyard or garden.

Choosing the right watermelon variety is crucial for success in Mississippi’s climate. Varieties differ in their tolerance to heat, disease resistance, and overall suitability for the region. Here’s a comparison of some popular watermelon varieties and their characteristics:

VarietyFruit SizeDays to MaturityHeat ToleranceDisease Resistance

Crimson Sweet	Large (16-25 lbs)	85-90 days	High	Moderate
Sugar Baby	Small (6-12 lbs)	75-85 days	High	Good
Charleston Gray	Large (20-30 lbs)	90-100 days	Moderate	Good
Jubilee	Large (16-25 lbs)	90-95 days	High	Excellent
Allsweet	Large (18-24 lbs)	90-100 days	High	Moderate

As the table illustrates, varieties like Crimson Sweet, Sugar Baby, and Jubilee are well-suited for Mississippi’s hot summers, offering high heat tolerance and resistance to common diseases.

Heat-tolerant varieties are essential for growing watermelons in Mississippi’s sweltering summer temperatures. Crimson Sweet and Sugar Baby are excellent choices, as they can withstand the intense heat while producing high-quality fruits. Jubilee is another heat-tolerant variety known for its sweet flavor and high yields.

Disease resistance is also an important consideration, as watermelons can be susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases. Varieties like Jubilee and Charleston Gray exhibit good resistance to common diseases such as anthracnose, fusarium wilt, and gummy stem blight, which can be prevalent in Mississippi’s humid conditions.

Once you’ve selected the right variety, proper soil preparation and planting techniques are essential. Watermelons thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Follow these steps for successful planting:

1. Test your soil: Collect soil samples and have them tested by a local extension service or soil testing lab. This will provide valuable information about nutrient levels and pH, allowing you to make appropriate amendments.
2. Amend the soil: Based on the soil test results, incorporate organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility and structure. Apply any recommended amendments, such as lime or sulfur, to adjust the pH.
3. Prepare the planting area: Create raised rows or hills spaced 6-8 feet apart for proper drainage and root growth. Incorporate a balanced fertilizer into the soil following the recommended application rates.
4. Plant the seeds or transplants: Sow watermelon seeds 1-2 inches deep and 2-3 feet apart within the rows or hills. Alternatively, you can transplant seedlings started indoors, spacing them 6-8 feet apart in all directions.
5. Mulch and water: Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Water thoroughly after planting, keeping the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate or transplants establish roots.

Proper care and maintenance are crucial for a successful watermelon crop. Follow these essential steps throughout the growing season:

• Water regularly: Watermelons have deep roots and require consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week, adjusting as needed based on rainfall and soil conditions.
• Fertilize as needed: Apply a balanced fertilizer or side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer when the vines begin to run and again when the fruits start developing.
• Weed control: Regularly remove weeds by hand or with shallow cultivation to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
• Insect and disease monitoring: Watch for common pests like aphids, cucumber beetles, and Spider mites, as well as diseases like powdery mildew, anthracnose, and fusarium wilt. Implement organic or chemical control measures as needed.
• Provide support: As the watermelon fruits develop, use pieces of wood, cardboard, or straw to elevate them off the ground and prevent rotting or deformation.

As the watermelons mature, it’s essential to know when to harvest and how to store them properly. Here are some key considerations:

• Ripeness indicators: Look for the following signs of ripeness:
  • The underside of the watermelon (where it rests on the ground) turns creamy yellow or white.
  • The curly tendril closest to the fruit turns brown and dries up.
  • The rind becomes dull and tough, losing its glossy appearance.
  • The watermelon develops a hollow sound when tapped lightly.
  
• Harvesting techniques:
  1. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the watermelon from the vine, leaving 2-3 inches of stem attached.
  2. Handle the watermelons carefully, avoiding drops or excessive pressure that could cause bruising or cracking.
  3. Promptly move the harvested watermelons to a shaded area or indoors to prevent sunburn or overheating.
• Storage and shelf life:
  • Watermelons can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, but refrigeration can extend their shelf life to 3-4 weeks.
  • Avoid storing watermelons in direct sunlight or near ripening fruits like bananas or tomatoes, as this can cause premature ripening.
  • For optimal flavor and texture, enjoy watermelons within a week of harvesting.

Growing watermelons in Mississippi can be a rewarding experience, providing you with fresh, delicious fruits throughout the summer months. By following these guidelines for variety selection, soil preparation, planting, care, and harvesting, you can increase your chances of a bountiful and successful watermelon crop. So, embrace the warm Mississippi climate and get ready to enjoy the sweet taste of homegrown watermelons!