What To Know
- Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil, ensuring that the soil level is at the same height as the seedling’s original soil level.
- Water deeply and thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on your climate and soil conditions.
- Use a strong trellis system, such as a fence or a series of stakes.
Are you looking to add a burst of vibrant color and exciting flavor to your garden? Then learning how to grow orange watermelon might be your next gardening adventure. These unique watermelons, with their bright orange flesh and sweet, subtly tangy flavor, are a delightful addition to any summer feast. This guide will walk you through the process, from selecting the right seeds to harvesting your own juicy orange watermelons.
Choosing the Right Orange Watermelon Variety
The first step to growing orange watermelon is selecting the right variety. There are several varieties available, each with its own unique characteristics:
- Orangeglo: This classic variety is known for its beautiful orange flesh, sweet flavor, and relatively short growing season.
- Golden Midget: As its name suggests, this variety is compact, making it ideal for smaller gardens. It produces small, sweet watermelons with a bright orange interior.
- Yellow Baby: This variety is another compact option, producing small, yellow-fleshed watermelons with a sweet, slightly tangy flavor.
Consider your climate, space limitations, and personal preferences when choosing your orange watermelon variety.
Sowing Orange Watermelon Seeds
Once you’ve chosen your variety, it’s time to sow your seeds. Here’s how:
1. Start indoors: Orange watermelon seeds need warm soil to germinate. Start your seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Fill seed trays with seed-starting mix, and plant one seed per cell. Water thoroughly and cover with plastic wrap to retain moisture.
2. Maintain warmth: Place the seed trays in a warm location, around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Germination usually takes 7-10 days.
3. Hardening off: Once the seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, it’s time to harden them off. Gradually introduce them to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered spot for increasing periods of time. This helps them adjust to the sun and wind before transplanting.
Transplanting Your Orange Watermelon Seedlings
When the weather is consistently warm and the soil has warmed up, it’s time to transplant your seedlings. Here’s what to do:
1. Prepare the bed: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility.
2. Spacing: Space your seedlings 2-3 feet apart in rows that are 4-5 feet apart. This allows for adequate air circulation and sunlight.
3. Transplant carefully: Dig a hole slightly larger than the seedling’s root ball. Gently remove the seedling from its container, being careful not to damage the roots. Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil, ensuring that the soil level is at the same height as the seedling’s original soil level. Water thoroughly after transplanting.
Caring for Your Orange Watermelon Plants
Once your orange watermelon plants are in the ground, they’ll need regular care to thrive. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Watering: Orange watermelon plants need consistent moisture, especially during the hot summer months. Water deeply and thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on your climate and soil conditions. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
2. Fertilizing: Orange watermelon plants are heavy feeders. Fertilize them every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. You can also use a compost tea or organic fertilizer.
3. Weeding: Keep the area around your orange watermelon plants free of weeds, as they compete for nutrients and water.
4. Trellising: Orange watermelon vines can grow quite long, so it’s helpful to trellis them. This helps to keep the fruit off the ground and prevents them from rotting. Use a strong trellis system, such as a fence or a series of stakes.
Harvesting Your Orange Watermelon
You’ll know your orange watermelons are ready to harvest when they sound dull when thumped and the tendrils near the fruit have dried up. Here’s how to harvest them:
1. Cut the watermelon: Using a sharp knife, cut the watermelon from the vine. Leave about 2 inches of stem attached to the fruit.
2. Store properly: Store your harvested orange watermelons in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. They can last for several weeks if stored properly.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Tips for Success
- Pollination: Orange watermelons are pollinated by bees and other insects. If you live in an area with limited pollinator activity, you may need to hand-pollinate your plants. To do this, use a small brush or cotton swab to transfer pollen from the male flowers (the smaller flowers with no fruit) to the female flowers (the larger flowers with a small fruit at the base).
- Pest control: Orange watermelon plants can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests and use appropriate control methods, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Disease prevention: Orange watermelon plants are also susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew, anthracnose, and fusarium wilt. Practice good sanitation, avoid overhead watering, and use disease-resistant varieties to minimize the risk of disease.
A Celebration of Flavor: Enjoying Your Orange Watermelon
Once you’ve harvested your orange watermelons, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are some ideas:
- Freshly sliced: The simplest and most delicious way to enjoy orange watermelon is freshly sliced. Serve it chilled with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of honey.
- Salads: Add chunks of orange watermelon to your favorite summer salads for a refreshing and flavorful twist.
- Smoothies: Blend orange watermelon with other fruits and yogurt for a healthy and refreshing smoothie.
- Sorbet: Make a light and refreshing sorbet with orange watermelon. It’s a perfect dessert for warm weather.
A Bountiful Harvest: A Final Word
Growing orange watermelon is a rewarding experience. These unique fruits are not only delicious but also add a vibrant splash of color to your garden. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown orange watermelon all summer long.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: How long does it take for orange watermelon to grow?
A: Orange watermelon typically takes 80-90 days to mature, depending on the variety and your climate.
Q: Can I grow orange watermelon in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow orange watermelon in containers, but you’ll need a large container (at least 15 gallons) to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: What is the best way to store orange watermelon?
A: Store orange watermelon in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. They can last for several weeks if stored properly.
Q: What are the signs of a ripe orange watermelon?
A: A ripe orange watermelon will sound dull when thumped and the tendrils near the fruit will have dried up. The skin will also have a slightly dull appearance.
Q: Can I save seeds from my orange watermelon to plant next year?
A: Yes, you can save seeds from your orange watermelon to plant next year. However, keep in mind that the seeds may not produce fruit that is exactly like the parent plant. This is because watermelon is a hybrid fruit, meaning that it is a cross between two different varieties.
