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Today’s hybridizing techniques are taking watermelon to a new high for nutrition and health. Fresh watermelon is still available, so don’t miss out on its summertime flavor and nutritional benefits. Learn from watermelon growers on how to grow the many varieties of this super fruit in your own garden.
Watermelon is a member of the cucumber (cucurbits) family. It is a native plant of the Kalahari Desert in Africa and can grow under extreme UV radiation, high heat and drought; it has evolved as a melon full of free radical fighting power. Watermelon is used in cosmetics and toiletries for skin protection; and it is a very healthy fruit to include in your diet.
On a recent stop to a farm stand, owner Chris Chiaccio, of Tony's Farm & Garden Center in Windsor, NJ commented,
"I feel better when I eat watermelon".
She may feel better from eating watermelon for 3 reasons:
1) Watermelon is 90% water; it is hydrating and makes us feel refreshed
2) Watermelon has energy-yielding natural sugars
3) Watermelon contains vitamins, minerals and other compounds
Watermelon is low calorie. A one cup serving is only 46 calories [1]. Like most fruit, watermelon is fat free and has no cholesterol. Watermelon has a lot more than just water and sugars in it.
Did You Know? Watermelon contains health-promoting nutrients, such as vitamin A, potassium, citrulline; and beneficial antioxidants, such as lycopene, beta carotene and vitamin C. Antioxidants have disease fighting properties that may help prevent cancer and reduce heart risks [2]. Citrulline is a potential antioxidant that helps maintain blood flow [3] and heart health. Nutrition Information [4] Watermelon per 100 grams (about 8 melon balls)
Lycopene (mcg)
Beta Carotene (mcg)
Vitamin A (IU)
Potassium, K (mg)
Vitamin C (mg)
Water (grams)
Total Sugars (grams)
4532
303
569
112
8.1
90.15
6.20
Varieties of Watermelon There are many varieties of watermelon grown in the US and they vary by state. California farmers primarily grow Fiesta, Laurel, Nova, Sangria, and Wonderland. In Florida you will find Dillion, Ecstasy, Freedom, Genesiks and Mohican. In the Texas high plaines, farmers primarily grow Allsweet and Jubilee [5]. Dave's Gardeners have grown varieties that include: Raspa, Triton, Matador, Emperor, Pinata and Schochler. Visit Plant Files here on Dave's Gardens to discover even more watermelon varieties.
Growing Watermelons In General Watermelons require a long growing season ~ about 3 months from planting to harvest ~ and need warm soil temperatures and full sun. The vines are rambling, and in most varieties the fruits are fairly large. The vines can easily spread 6-8' in their first month. After a few months blooms appear, then baby melons. When the melons are ripe, they have a light, yellowish area touching the ground and their tendrils are longer and less green. They are then ready to be hand picked.
Seedless Watermelons Growing seedless watermelons require an extra step, but it is by no means difficult. Start with fresh seed ~ the seed is only good for up to 1 year [6]. To grow seedless watermelons, a second type of melon with seeds has to be planted in the same area. The second melon is considered the pollinator and should be something that is noticeably different from your seedless variety, such as a smaller size or a solid color. For example, farmer Ray Hlubik (pronounced Lubik) of Hlubik Farms in Chesterfield, NJ uses 2 different pollinators in a 1/2-acre patch containing several seedless varieties. His pollinators, which make up about 25% of his crop, include a solid green sugar baby type and also a very small watermelon that won't compete for growing space with his seedless.
Seedless watermelons are a result of a crossing traditional, diploid, seeded melons with tetraploid melons. The result is a hybrid, seedless, triploid species. This simply means that the numbers of chromosomes are different, and genetically the seedless melon will be sterile. The seedless will still get flowers, but will need help in pollination from a nearby diploid pollinator. Honey bees are the key for a successful watermelon crop, since the pollen in watermelon blossoms is heavy and sticky and requires more than just the wind to transfer it from flower to flower.
Growing watermelon in a small garden When there is a will, there is a way! Thanks to the many varieties of melons available, selecting a smaller size melon may work for your small garden area. Some people have even grown watermelon off their high rise balconies successfully! In small garden situations the melon vines can be trellised and the fruit can be harnessed with expandable netting or pantyhose. This technique can also be done with other climbers that bear heavy fruit or vegetables.
Watermelon Pests and Diseases Back in 1989 a disease called bacterial fruit blotch, carried in the seed, wiped out many watermelon crops. It is still a concern for todays growers. Control measures are being taken by seed companies and some even require that their customers sign a waiver before purchasing watermelon seeds. This is done as to protect against lawsuits from the farmers, should financial losses result from crop failures.
Dave's Garden member and watermelon grower "Farmerdill" from Augusta, GA says striped cucumber beetles are a major pest and soil borne diseases, like fusarium wilt, can be a problem if your cultivar is not resistant to it. Other pests Farmerdill cautions about include deer, raccoons, and crows.
Gardening Tips from Growers
Farmerdill says, "have patience, prepare a good place for them to grow and then get out of their way!" Also, "Watermelons need room, each plant needs about 30-50 sq. feet".
Another Dave's Gardens watermelon grower "Razorback04" from Fayetteville, AR has noticed that the soil seems to warm faster when it is mounded up. He direct sows 8-10 seeds in 5"-high mounds (hills) of dirt, spaced about 8' apart, then thins to about 3 plants per hill after one month.
Farmer Ray in NJ grows his watermelon in 4" high raised beds lined with a trickle line for irrigation. Then the rows are covered with black plastic, which helps to keep in moisture and aides in warming the soil. Trickle lines are flat and run the length of the rows. A home gardener can use a soaker hose to get the same results. He recommends not to overwater your seedless watermelon seeds and to start seedless melons in a greenhouse first, rather than direct sowing. This ensures better control and germination. If you don't have a greenhouse, you can start your seeds indoors with grow lights or in a sunny window.
Preparation Watermelon is so easy to prepare...just wash, cut and eat! Don't forget to wash your fruit, to remove any surface bacteria. Watermelon can be cut into wedges, cut in half with a zig-zag pattern for a decorative basket to use for fruit salad, or the pulp inside can be scooped out for use in recipes.
Watermelon Recipe Ideas Melon can be cut into bite size cubes or scooped into rounds with a melon baller for fruit salads or fruit kabobs. The pulp (remove seeds first) can be put in a food processor or blender for quick and easy smoothies or watermelon juice. Melon pulp can also be frozen for later use in beverages or soups.
Watermelon Soup: Remove seeds ~ puree the pulp, using the amount you want (optional: strawberries, bananas or other melon can also be added) ~ add fruit juice of any kind to desired consistency ~ chill. Garnish with whipped cream thinned out to the same consistency, swirled on the top! All ages love watermelon as a healthy snack or dessert
[2] American Dietetic Association; Lycopene: an Antioxidant for Good Health; http://www.eatright.org Accessed Aug. 8, 2008.
[3] Rimando A, Perkins-Veazie P, Determination of Citrulline in Watermelon Rind; Journal of Chromatography A. 2005; 1078:196-200.
[4] USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 20 (2007), Raw Watermelon; Accessed Aug. 5, 2008.
[5] USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Table 33-US watermelon, fresh: Growing areas and principal varieties; http://www.nass.usda.gov. Accessed Aug. 5, 2008.
[6] Starling L, Seedless Watermelons, Virginia Cooperative Extension. Accessed Aug. 12, 2008.
About Diana Wind
Diana enjoys writing about gardening, food and nutrition. She is a graduate from The Academy of Culinary Arts, Mays Landing, NJ and is currently studying Nutritional Science at Rutgers University, NJ ~
“I especially love gardening as part of a healthy lifestyle. Gardening engages us with nature, gives us much needed exercise and rewards us with fresh, nutritional foods. Good dietary habits can promote health and reduce the risk for major chronic diseases. Happy Gardening!"
Posted by Marigold42 (from Broken Arrow, OK) on August 26, 2008 at 9:29 AM:
The Family Garden was too small for Watermelons as Mom had to can all the produce for the winter. I always loved the huge oval deep green Watermelons with yellow stripes.
Didn't learn for many years why Mom and Dad always ate the centers and us kids got to enjoy the seed part, sucking in to the white stuff as far as we could go before hitting the bitter.
I must have a weird taster. My family loved the little Sugar Babies, but I only ever ate one slice because of the bad after-taste. The seedless ones also had an after-taste, as well as the yellow varities. So, I'll stick to the huge ones cooled in tubs of water and covered with burlap and tucked deep into the summer shade at the North side of the house. Never cared for ice-cold Watermelon straight from the Fridge.
After we'd all eaten our fill of Hotdogs, hamburgers, potato salad and iced tea, we sit back talking and then an hour or so later here'd come Dad with the Melon and a huge butcher knife...our holiday desert delivered in grand style.
Marigold42
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Posted by wind (from Mount Laurel, NJ) on August 26, 2008 at 8:22 PM:
Hi Marigold42,
You don't have a "weird taster"...I recently learned in a biochemistry class on just how all of us have different taste receptors and perceptions of smell and flavor. In my class the professor passed around a particular offensive scent for the students to smell. The interesting thing was that I couldn't smell it or the person next to me. Actually, only some of the people (out of over 100) could get that 'offensive' odor.
I guess that class experience is similar to getting an 'aftertaste' from the melons. I have never detected an aftertaste in the Sugar Babies or in Yellow Melons, but I may not have the gene that would detect that; whereas, you do :) It is not a good thing or a bad thing ~ the point is that all of us taste and smell differently depending on our receptors and genetic makeup. You may find the background concepts of this link interesting: [HYPERLINK@faculty.washington.edu]
I don't care for the watermelon ice cold either...we just let it sit out on the counter before serving.
It is neat that your mom did a lot of canning. My husband and I just went to a place called Wheaton Village here in NJ today. They had some old glass jars on display from Mr. John Landis Mason...the man who started 'Mason' Jars for canning back in the mid 1800's. It was really interesting :) [HYPERLINK@en.wikipedia.org]
Thanks for your reply ~ Keep enjoying watermelon and Happy Gardening!
~Diana
...
Subject: Watermelon Shrimp Salad
Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on August 21, 2008 at 12:06 AM:
Here's the recipe I mentioned in the other thread. It's from a 2008 Penzey's One magazine, Vol. 3, Issue 2, p. 58, and it looks like the recipe comes from Betty Hudson of Short Pump, VA.
Watermelon Shrimp Salad
1 med.watermelon, formed into balls
1 to 1 1/2 pounds raw shrimp in shell
1 to 2 tablespoons shrimp & crab boil spices
1 4.5 oz. jar small button mushrooms, drained
1 8.25 oz. jar mandarin oranges, drained
2 tablespoons minced green bell pepper
2 tablespooons minced onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Cooking the Shrimp: In large pot, simmer 2+ quarts water with the shrimp and crab boil spices (in cheesecloth or teaball for easier cleanup). Cover the pot and simmer at least 20 minutes to season the water. Add shrimp and simmer 4-5 minutes for shell-on shrimp, 2-3 minutes if the shells have already been removed. Shrimp is done when it turns pink and barely begins to curl. Peel and devein the shrimp. Don't rinse it, just spread the shrimp out so it cools off and doesn't keep cooking. Chill in the refrigerator.
Assembling the Salad: toss together the chilled shrimp, watermelon balls, mushrooms, oranges, bell pepper, and onion. use a high quality bottled small mushroom; it really adds to the flavor. Raw mushrooms don't work well, because they just turn brown. Whisk together the oil and vinegar and pour over the salad just before serving, as the watermelon starts to let its juices go as soon as the dressing goes on.
Prep time: 40 minutes
Serves: 10-12
...
Subject: Great Job!
Posted by Aunt_A (from Tulsa, OK) on August 20, 2008 at 8:37 PM:
Once again,
Just a note to say again that I enjoyed your article! Lots of great info in a nice format.
Mine is finally through all stages. Whew. :-)
Thanks again.
April
...
Posted by Sharran (from Calvert City, KY) on August 20, 2008 at 8:52 PM:
Great article, love the way it looks.
...
Posted by wind (from Mount Laurel, NJ) on August 21, 2008 at 7:33 AM:
Thank you both!
For those of you reading this, Aunt_A is April Campbell; April is a Dave's Garden writer too. She has an article: "Watermelon Rind Pickles and Rind Mini Recipes", coming out Friday, August 29th, which may be of interest.
I'm looking forward to it myself. Because I learned in my watermelon research that the beneficial amino acid Citrulline, which is known to take part as an intermediary in our urea cycle, has other important roles in our bodies metabolism.
Citrulline is being studied now in the field of clinical nutrition. Citrulline is found in the greatest amount in the watermelon rind.
...
Posted by Aunt_A (from Tulsa, OK) on August 22, 2008 at 12:25 AM:
Thanks so much. That is really sweet (as sweet as Watermelon Rind Pickles).
:-)
April
...
Subject: Nice Article
Posted by phicks (from Lakeland, FL) on August 20, 2008 at 7:09 PM:
Good one Paul
...
Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on August 20, 2008 at 7:22 PM:
Great article, Diana!
My last issue of Penzey's "One" magazine had a recipe for a shrimp and watermelon salad... The shrimp was cooked with "crab boil" spices. A can of mandarin oranges and a jar of mushrooms also went into the salad. The dressing was simple -- as I recall, 2 Tablespoons each of red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced onion, and minced bell pepper, tossed with the ingredients just before serving.
...
Posted by wind (from Mount Laurel, NJ) on August 20, 2008 at 10:10 PM:
Thanks Critter!
I'll have to see if I can find that recipe, it sounds like a nice one for the summer....I love Penzey's. I order from them from time-to-time.
When I was in culinary school I did a report on spices and handed out their catalogs to the students :)
...
Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on August 20, 2008 at 10:53 PM:
Do you subscribe to the new magazine from Penzey's? I've been enjoying it enough to wish it were monthly rather than bimonthly! I think it was a couple cups each of the cooked, deveined shrimp and watermelon balls... I'll try to remember to grab the magazine and check the recipe for full details, but I'm guessing you could wing it.
I love their spices!
...
Subject: Thank You!
Posted by nanny_56 (from Putnam County, IN) on August 20, 2008 at 10:27 AM:
We are planning to make a garden area this fall for planting next spring. I would like to try a small variety of watermelon, but thought they might be hard to grow. Now I need to find a good small variety!
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Posted by angele (from Elephant Butte, NM) on August 20, 2008 at 1:06 PM:
Enjoyed this article! I've been eating a store bought watermelon a week this season. There are now 3 volunteer vines flowering in my yard. I hope we have a late winter :-)
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Posted by ByndeweedBeth (from scio, oregon, OR) on August 20, 2008 at 3:38 PM:
The layout of this article was eye-catching. Very good job!
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Posted by Indy (from Alexandria, IN) on August 20, 2008 at 4:09 PM:
Watermelon growing is my favorite crop...eating them too. A few minutes ago I just finished eating a 1/6th slab of a home grown Sweet Slice Plus [25 pound seedless]. It was quite good for a seedless.
Since I have been growing melons for years, disease pressure in the soil is the number one problem here. I still get some real nice ones though. Watermelons need the best soil to do well.
Why fiddle with a baby melon...go for the best!....Raspa, Sangria, SF420, Orangeglo, Royalty, or Sweet Slice plus.
...
Posted by wind (from Mount Laurel, NJ) on August 20, 2008 at 7:29 PM:
Thanks for all the feedback :)
Nanny_56, let us know what you end up growing. If you want really small, there is a Miniput early 3-4lb variety or Icebox varieties, like Sugar Babies, which are on the smaller side (6-10 lbs). Other early varieties have choices that range in 6-10 lb watermelons. Here is a link to some early varieties: [HYPERLINK@www.urbanext.uiuc.edu] There are many sources for seed, but if you want to shop around, Twilley Seeds has the Miniput and Willhite Seed Inc. has alot too, like the Sugar Baby.
***
Indy, I would have interviewed you for this article had I known you were a watermelon grower here on DG! I'm glad you mentioned soil. I forgot to say anything about soil. I did notice that when I went to Farmer Ray Hlubik's farm, he had a sandy loam soil in his watermelon patch.
The University of Georgia Extension Service says watermelons thrive in fertile sandy loam soils that contain organic matter with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
Here is their link for more info:
[HYPERLINK@www.uga.edu]
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Posted by nanny_56 (from Putnam County, IN) on August 20, 2008 at 8:12 PM:
Thanks for the info Wind...checking them out right now. I have heard of Sugar Baby...that might be a good size to try.
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Posted by UniQueTreasures (from Beaumont, TX) on August 20, 2008 at 8:57 PM:
Outstanding article! I've grown a couple of them this year. The vines are vigorous! I was able to cut one and eat it last week and it was wonderful! Especially good knowing it came from my own garden, small though that garden is.
I love the style of your article. Jam up job!!!
Janet
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Posted by wind (from Mount Laurel, NJ) on August 20, 2008 at 10:00 PM:
your welcome Nanny, have fun picking out a cultivar best suited for your garden :)
and Thanks Janet :)))
... do you happen to know, what variety of watermelon you grew? I would love to know; plus, It might be helpful to other people in your area.
...
Posted by UniQueTreasures (from Beaumont, TX) on August 21, 2008 at 5:31 AM:
I am pretty sure it is Jubilee.
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Posted by wind (from Mount Laurel, NJ) on August 21, 2008 at 7:39 AM:
thanks!
Nanny_56, this morning I came across this link, to one of the DG threads, that was about small watermelons that may be helpful to you and others looking for smaller size watermelons: [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]
Did You Know?
Seedless Watermelons
