HOW TO GROW
- Sowing: In cool climates, Congo watermelon seeds should be started indoors, but no sooner than a month before transplanting; plant three seeds per peat pot, 1/4″ deep.
- Growing: As soon as the vines begin to develop, apply a thick layer of mulch to control weeds and protect the melons from soil contact.
How long does it take to grow Congo watermelon?
90 days
Congo Watermelon is an heirloom variety that produces super sweet, oblong melons that can weight up to 50 lbs. High sugar content and tough rind for durability during harvesting. Citrullus lanatus. 90 days to maturity.
How do you grow Congo watermelon seeds?
Before Planting: A light, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5–7.5 and a southern exposure is ideal. Planting: For direct seeding, sow 1–2 weeks after last frost when soil is warm, above 70°F, 3 seeds every 18–36″, 1″ deep. Watering: When they are younger, watermelon plants require lots up water, up to 2 inches per week.
How many watermelons does a Congo plant produce?
2-4 fruits
Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. The vines produce both male and female flowers. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males.
Does Congo watermelon have seeds?
‘Congo’ does extremely well in Southeastern U.S. and has a medium-red colored flesh with very high sugar content and white seeds.
Can watermelon be grown in pots?
Yes, you can grow watermelon in pots. But there are some important guidelines you’ll want to follow to set yourself up for success. Watermelons are fun to grow in pots, but they must be cared for properly.
What is the sweetest variety of watermelon?
Sultan. Sultan is one of the sweetest varieties you’ll find, this one measures 12.3 on the Brix scale. The fruits average 15 pounds and ripen within 95 days.
What month do you plant watermelon?
Watermelons need about 100 days of warm weather to produce an edible melon. If the warm, late fall and winter weather of recent years continues, you may get a watermelon for Christmas. The best times to sow seeds for watermelons are early March and early August.
How do I make my watermelon sweeter when growing?
Heat brings out melons’ sweetness, so make sure to plant them in a location that warms up early in spring and stays hot through the end of September. The south side of a fence or wall is ideal as the structure will absorb heat and light from the sun and reflect it back onto the melons.
How do you prepare watermelon seeds for planting?
Cut the melon, dig out the seeds. Put seeds into a large bowl and fill it with water. You will notice that the healthy(viable) seeds will sink to the bottom, while the bad seeds will float with most of the pulp. Scoop out the floating seeds and pulp and dispose of them.
How many watermelons should you let grow on one plant?
How many watermelons do you get per plant? You should get between two and four watermelons per plant so it’s important to protect your harvest. Lay straw underneath any fruit grown at ground level so that they are protected from the soil, which can cause rot.
Should I trim my watermelon vines?
Pruning watermelons promotes healthier vines and increases fruit size. Look for irregular or rotting fruit to prune from the plant. Removing the less than perfect melons will enable the plant to focus energy towards growing bigger, healthier, juicier melons.
Do watermelon plants come back every year?
As annual plants, watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) must be replanted every season and will not survive the winter either as seedlings or fully grown plants. Watermelons require warm weather to grow quickly and produce their sweet, juicy fruit.
Can you save seeds from a seedless watermelon?
Yes, you can save watermelon seeds to plant for next year. Watermelons take quite a while to grow to maturity, so plan for the following season. Save seeds from melons you’ve grown in your garden after they’ve ripened on the vine.
How big is a sugar Baby watermelon?
7 to 8 inches across
Introduced in 1956, ‘Sugar Baby’ watermelon is a type of icebox or picnic watermelon. It produces small fruits that are 7 to 8 inches across—just the right size for fitting in the fridge or a picnic basket.
Does Congo have water?
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has over 50% of the African continent’s water reserves but despite this tremendous potential, 33 million people in rural areas still lack access to quality water.
What is the best fertilizer for watermelons?
Choosing the best fertilizer for watermelon is the key to a quality harvest.
- BEST OVERALL: Dr.
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Espoma Garden Tone 3-4-4 Plant Food.
- PREMIUM PICK: Organic Plant Magic Super Premium Plant Food.
- BEST ORGANIC: Jobe’s Organics Granular Fertilizer.
- BEST LIQUID: Neptune’s Harvest Hydrolyzed Fish Fertilizer.
Can you grow a watermelon in a 5 gallon bucket?
You need to choose a pot that will be large enough for your container watermelon to thrive. Watermelons grow rapidly and require plenty of water, so it is recommended that you go with a 5-gallon (19 kg) or larger size container. Make sure that the container you will be growing watermelons in has enough drainage holes.
How often should I water my watermelon?
Typically, watermelon plants need 1-2 inches of water per week so that the soil stays moist but not wet. If you’re not getting enough rain each week, make sure you give your plants an extra drink.
Does salt Make watermelon sweeter?
Salt is a great way to enhance these fruits’ natural sweetness. Salting watermelon also improves the fruit’s texture. A little sprinkling of salt brings all the liquid to the surface of the water-rich fruit. As a result, each bite is guaranteed to be juicy and sweet.
What is the fastest growing watermelon?
Short-season watermelons–less than 90 days:
- Cole’s Early. 80 days. Sweet, good quality. Broad, oval fruit; weights15-20 pounds.
- Sugar Baby. See above.
- Fordhook Hybrid. 75 days. Juicy, delicious.
- Yellow-flesh fruit.
- Yellow Baby. (AAS) 75 days. Sweet, excellent flavor.
- Yellow Doll. 65-70 days. Extra sweet, crisp.