What To Know
- The Icebox watermelon, also known as the “personal watermelon,” is a smaller variety of watermelon that’s ideal for smaller gardens.
- If you’re growing your Icebox watermelon in a small space, you can train the vines to grow up a trellis.
- The vine connected to the watermelon will start to dry up and wither when the melon is ready to be harvested.
The warm weather is here, and that means one thing: watermelon season! But why settle for store-bought when you can grow your own? If you’re looking for a compact, flavorful variety, the Icebox watermelon is the perfect choice. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to grow icebox watermelon, from seed to juicy slice.
Understanding the Icebox Watermelon
The Icebox watermelon, also known as the “personal watermelon,” is a smaller variety of watermelon that’s ideal for smaller gardens. It’s known for its sweet, juicy flesh and compact size, making it perfect for snacking or sharing with a small group.
Choosing the Right Spot for Your Icebox Watermelon
Icebox watermelons need plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil to thrive. Here’s what to consider:
- Sunlight: Choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The more sun, the sweeter the watermelon!
- Soil: Watermelons prefer loose, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
- Space: Icebox watermelons are relatively compact, but they still need space to spread out their vines. Allow at least 3 feet between each plant.
Planting Your Icebox Watermelon Seeds
Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot, you’re ready to plant your seeds. Here’s how:
1. Start seeds indoors: About 2-3 weeks before the last frost, start your Icebox watermelon seeds indoors. Use seed starting trays or small pots filled with seed starting mix. Keep the soil moist and warm, and your seeds should germinate within 7-10 days.
2. Harden off seedlings: Once your seedlings have a few true leaves, it’s time to harden them off. This means gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions. Start by placing them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the time gradually over a week.
3. Plant outdoors: When all danger of frost has passed, plant your Icebox watermelon seedlings outdoors. Space them 3 feet apart in rows. Water well after planting.
Caring for Your Icebox Watermelon
Once your Icebox watermelon plants are in the ground, they’ll need regular care to thrive. Here’s what you need to do:
- Watering: Watermelons need consistent moisture, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Water deeply once or twice a week, making sure to soak the entire root zone. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizing: Watermelons are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, every 2-3 weeks. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct application rate.
- Weeding: Keep your watermelon patch free of weeds, which compete with your plants for water and nutrients. Hand-pull weeds or use a hoe to keep them under control.
- Trellising: If you’re growing your Icebox watermelon in a small space, you can train the vines to grow up a trellis. This will help to conserve space and make it easier to harvest the melons.
Harvesting Your Icebox Watermelon
Once your Icebox watermelon plants have been growing for about 2-3 months, they should start to produce fruit. Here’s how to know when your melons are ready to harvest:
- Sound: When you tap a ripe Icebox watermelon, it should sound hollow.
- Color: The underside of the watermelon will turn from white to a creamy yellow color when it’s ripe.
- Vine: The vine connected to the watermelon will start to dry up and wither when the melon is ready to be harvested.
Once you’ve harvested your Icebox watermelon, store it in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. Enjoy!
Beyond the Basic Care: Tips for Success
Here are some additional tips to help you grow the tastiest Icebox watermelons:
- Choose the right variety: Different varieties of Icebox watermelon have different flavor profiles and growth habits. Do some research to find a variety that suits your taste and growing conditions.
- Mulch: Mulching around your Icebox watermelon plants helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips.
- Protect from pests: Watermelons are susceptible to a variety of pests, including aphids, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests and take action to control them if necessary.
- Pollination: Watermelons are pollinated by bees, so make sure there are plenty of bees in your garden. If you’re concerned about pollination, you can hand-pollinate your watermelon plants.
Your Sweet Reward: Enjoying Your Icebox Watermelon
Once you’ve harvested your Icebox watermelons, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Here are a few ideas:
- Slice and serve: The classic way to enjoy a watermelon is simply to slice it and serve it chilled.
- Make a salad: Watermelon is a delicious addition to salads, especially those with feta cheese, mint, and balsamic vinegar.
- Blend into a smoothie: Add watermelon to your favorite smoothie recipe for a refreshing and healthy treat.
- Make a sorbet: Puree watermelon and freeze it for a delicious and refreshing sorbet.
The End of the Journey: The Sweetest Part
Growing your own Icebox watermelons is a rewarding experience that lets you enjoy the freshest, sweetest watermelon possible. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy your own homegrown bounty all summer long.
What You Need to Learn
Q: How long does it take for an Icebox watermelon to ripen?
A: Icebox watermelons typically take 70-80 days to ripen from planting.
Q: Can I grow Icebox watermelon in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Icebox watermelon in a container, but you’ll need a large container (at least 15 gallons) and make sure to choose a dwarf variety.
Q: What are some common problems with growing Icebox watermelon?
A: Common problems include pests, diseases, and poor pollination. Monitor your plants regularly and take action to address any issues as soon as possible.
Q: Can I save seeds from my Icebox watermelon to plant next year?
A: Yes, you can save seeds from your Icebox watermelon, but be aware that the next generation of plants may not be exactly the same as the parent plant. This is because watermelon is a hybrid plant.
