How to Make Watermelons Grow Faster

Watermelon time lapse – 24 days – 4k #greentimelapse #gtl #timelapse

Watermelons are a beloved summer treat, but their long growing season can be a challenge for impatient gardeners. By following the right techniques, however, you can significantly speed up the growth of your watermelon patch and enjoy a bountiful harvest sooner. The key is to understand the specific needs of watermelons and create an optimal environment for their rapid development, from selecting the right variety to providing proper care throughout the growing season.

Choosing the Right Watermelon Variety

Selecting the appropriate watermelon variety for your climate and growing conditions is crucial for achieving a faster harvest. Early-maturing and disease-resistant varieties are particularly well-suited for those seeking to accelerate watermelon growth. The table below compares some popular watermelon varieties and their key characteristics:

VarietyDays to MaturityDisease ResistanceFruit Size

Sugar Baby	75-80 days	Good	8-10 lbs
Crimson Sweet	85-90 days	Excellent	16-25 lbs
Charleston Gray	90-100 days	Moderate	25-35 lbs
Millennium	70-75 days	High	15-18 lbs
Yellow Doll	70-80 days	Good	10-12 lbs

Early-maturing varieties like Millennium and Yellow Doll can produce fruits in as little as 70 days, making them ideal for those eager to enjoy a quicker harvest. Disease-resistant varieties, such as Crimson Sweet, are less susceptible to common watermelon diseases, ensuring healthier and faster growth.

Early-Maturing Varieties

Early-maturing watermelon varieties are bred specifically for their ability to produce ripe fruits faster than traditional varieties. These varieties have a shorter growing season, often reaching maturity in 70 to 80 days, compared to the 90 to 100 days required by standard watermelon types.

Disease-Resistant Varieties

Diseases and pests can significantly hamper watermelon growth, leading to stunted plants and reduced yields. Disease-resistant watermelon varieties are bred to withstand common watermelon diseases like fusarium wilt, anthracnose, and gummy stem blight. By minimizing the impact of these diseases, these varieties can focus their energy on rapid growth and fruit production.

Preparing the Soil

Proper soil preparation is essential for accelerating watermelon growth. Watermelons thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Follow these steps to prepare your soil for optimal watermelon growth:

• Conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels
• Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility
• Incorporate a balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting
• Create raised beds or hills to improve drainage and soil warmth

Raised beds or hills not only promote better drainage but also allow the soil to warm up earlier in the spring, giving your watermelons a head start on growth.

Soil Testing

Soil testing is crucial for understanding the current state of your soil and making any necessary adjustments. This process involves collecting soil samples and sending them to a local agricultural extension service or lab for analysis. The results will provide information on soil pH, nutrient levels, and any deficiencies or imbalances that need to be addressed.

Raised Beds or Hills

Growing watermelons in raised beds or hills offers several advantages for faster growth. These elevated planting areas improve drainage, allowing excess water to flow away from the plants' roots and preventing waterlogging. Additionally, raised beds and hills warm up more quickly in the spring, providing an ideal environment for early planting and rapid growth.

Planting and Spacing

Proper planting and spacing techniques can significantly impact watermelon growth rates. Here are some essential guidelines to follow:

• Plant watermelons after the last frost date in your region, when soil temperatures reach at least 70°F (21°C)
• Space watermelon plants 2-3 feet apart in rows spaced 6-8 feet apart
• Use black plastic mulch to warm the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weeds

The table below provides recommended spacing for different watermelon varieties:

VarietyPlant SpacingRow Spacing

Sugar Baby	2-3 feet	6-8 feet
Crimson Sweet	3-4 feet	8-10 feet
Charleston Gray	4-5 feet	10-12 feet
Millennium	2-3 feet	6-8 feet
Yellow Doll	2-3 feet	6-8 feet

Proper spacing allows watermelon vines to spread and receive adequate sunlight and airflow, promoting healthy growth and fruit development.

Planting Depth and Timing

Watermelons should be planted at a depth of 1-2 inches, with the seeds or transplants spaced according to the variety's recommended spacing. It's crucial to plant watermelons at the right time to ensure optimal growing conditions. In most regions, watermelons should be planted after the last frost date, when soil temperatures have reached at least 70°F (21°C).

Black Plastic Mulch

Using black plastic mulch is an effective technique for accelerating watermelon growth. The dark color of the mulch absorbs heat from the sun, warming the soil and promoting earlier germination and faster growth. Additionally, the mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth, reducing competition for nutrients and water.

Watering and Fertilizing

Consistent watering and proper fertilization are essential for promoting rapid watermelon growth and fruit development. Follow these tips for optimal watering and fertilizing practices:

1. Water deeply and consistently, aiming for 1-2 inches of water per week
2. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases
3. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer every 3-4 weeks
4. Mulch around the plants to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds
5. Monitor soil moisture levels and adjust watering accordingly

Watermelons have high water and nutrient demands, especially during fruit development. Providing adequate water and nutrients at the right times will ensure faster growth and larger, sweeter fruits.

Watering Techniques

Effective watering techniques are crucial for maintaining optimal soil moisture levels and promoting rapid watermelon growth. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are excellent methods for delivering water directly to the roots, minimizing water loss through evaporation and preventing the spread of fungal diseases that can occur with overhead watering.

Fertilizer Requirements

Watermelons are heavy feeders, requiring ample nutrients throughout their growing cycle. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied at planting time. As the plants grow and produce fruits, side-dressing with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 3-4 weeks will provide the necessary nutrients for vigorous vine growth and fruit development.

Pruning and Trellising

Pruning and trellising are two techniques that can significantly impact watermelon growth rates. By managing the vines and improving air circulation, these practices can promote faster growth, healthier plants, and higher yields.

Pruning involves removing excess vines and leaves to redirect the plant's energy towards fruit production. Trellising, on the other hand, involves training the vines to grow vertically on a support structure, improving air circulation and reducing the risk of disease.

Pruning Methods

Proper pruning methods for watermelons involve selectively removing certain vines and leaves. As the watermelon plant grows, identify the main vine and remove any lateral vines that emerge from the leaf nodes. This process helps channel the plant's energy into the primary vine and developing fruits.

Trellising Techniques

Trellising watermelons involves training the vines to grow vertically on a support structure, such as a trellis, cage, or netting system. This technique improves air circulation around the plants, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and promoting faster growth. Additionally, trellising can help maximize space in smaller gardens by allowing the vines to grow upward instead of sprawling across the ground.