Choosing the right variety is crucial for successful watermelon cultivation. Opt for disease-resistant, moisture-tolerant, heat-resistant, vigorous-growing, and early-maturing varieties such as "Early Spring Ruby," "Take Bit," "Small Blue," and "Early Good 8424." These varieties are well-suited to various growing conditions and can help ensure a healthy and productive harvest.
The ideal sowing time is generally during mid to late July, with no later than August 15th. Sowing too late can delay both the planting and fruiting periods, which may lead to lower temperatures in the later stages of growth. This can negatively affect the expansion and ripening of the watermelons, ultimately reducing yield and quality.
It’s best to germinate seeds indoors at a temperature below 30°C. Germination becomes difficult when temperatures exceed 40°C. After planting, water the seedbed thoroughly to maintain moisture, nutrients, and proper seedling development. The substrate should be fully moistened. When sowing, place the seeds flat and plant them about one centimeter deep. Cover the seeds with a piece of newspaper, then a shade net, and keep the area cool and moist. Watering should be avoided until the seedlings emerge. Once they appear, remove the cover promptly. Shade nets are usually not needed after emergence, but if the seedlings show signs of wilting during high temperatures, cover them briefly and provide a small amount of water to alleviate stress. Water in the morning daily, especially for seedlings that require regular watering. Avoid evening watering to control growth and prevent damage from cold groundwater.
Transplant the seedlings 7–10 days after germination for melon plants and 10–15 days for watermelon seedlings. Before transplanting, irrigate the field. Plant in the afternoon after 4 o’clock, ensuring the roots are properly covered. Apply mulch (black and white double-sided) to reduce temperature, suppress weeds, and prevent pests. After fertilizing, cover the plants with a shade net and remove it after 2–3 days once the plants have established.
During the seedling stage, you can spray foliar fertilizers like potassium dihydrogen phosphate to promote strong growth. Prune the plants regularly, especially the melons, to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk.
Under high temperatures, manage fruit development by thinning out weak plants and monitoring fruit set. Avoid setting fruit too early; instead, assess plant growth and ovary size. Generally, the third fruit is most suitable for setting when the watermelon is developing properly.
Pest control is essential. Install insect nets around greenhouses to prevent pests. Common pests include melon aphids and Spodoptera litura. Use insecticides such as fipronil or imidacloprid, diluted appropriately, and apply them in the evening when temperatures are lower. Always follow the recommended concentration to avoid damaging the plants.
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