Watermelon cultivation can be done as an inter-crop or as a standalone watermelon farm. Here is the beginner’s guide on watermelon farming. Learn how to grow watermelon, watermelon cultivation practices, varieties, season, pests and watermelon plant diseases, etc.
‘Cold watermelon on a hot day is simple….bliss!’
The above statement is as true as it could get since watermelon has 92% water. It is a sweet, edible fruit that has a green rind on the outside and edible red-colored flesh with black-colored seeds on the inside. The color of the flesh varies from pink to red. There are some varieties of watermelon that have yellow flesh. According to botanists, this cool fruit has its origins in the African deserts about five thousand years ago. Some of its wild varieties are still found growing here. They found their way up north through Egypt and people began cultivating it during the Roman Era.
Information on Watermelon Plant
Botanically, watermelon is called Citrullus lanatus and it belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. All the different types of gourds are classified under the Cucurbitaceae family. The melons grow on a vine that can reach a length of 3 meters. It is an annual plant, that is, it can only survive in one growing season. The vines are covered with tiny hairs; they are thin and have groves in them. The flowers are yellow-colored. The specialty of this plant is that male and female flowers are produced separately on the same plant. The fruit varies in shape from oblong to spherical. The fleshy fruit is encased in a thick rind while the seeds are encased inside the flesh.
Ideal Conditions for Watermelon Farming
Watermelons need a warm climate for growth. It can be grown all through the year in places like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. It is however very sensitive to frost. Hence it can be only cultivated after the frost in places like Haryana. Otherwise, these must be grown in greenhouses that have adequate protection from frosts.
Climate for Water Cultivation
Being a warm-season crop, the plant requires ample sunshine and dry weather for the production of fruits. In case they are grown in places where winter is prevalent, then they must be provided with adequate protection from cold and frost. They are extremely sensitive to the slightest of frost and hence care must be taken to keep the frost away from the crop. 24-27⁰C is ideal for the seed germination and growth of watermelon plants. A cool night would ensure ample development of sugars in the fruit.
Watermelon Seasons in India
In India, since the climate is mostly tropical, all seasons are suitable for watermelon cultivation. However, watermelon is sensitive to cold and frost. Therefore, in parts of the country where winter is severe, watermelons are cultivated after the frost has passed. In places like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, etc. watermelon cultivation is possible almost any time of the year.
Soil for Watermelon Farming
Watermelons grow best in sandy loam soil that drains easily. It also grows well in black soil and sandy soil. However, they must have a good amount of organic content and must not withhold water. Water must easily drain off from the soil else the vines are likely to develop fungal infections.
Watermelon Varieties in India
Watermelons grow from seeds. However, it is advisable to sow the seeds of watermelons bought from a trusted place. There are different varieties of watermelon in India yielding a good harvest such as Vandana, Kiran, Sugar Baby, Watermelon Sultan, Improved Shipper, Madhubala, Arjun, etc.
There are a few exotic varieties like Watermelon Hybrid Yellow Doll and Watermelon Hybrid Red Doll from China and Mardi gras, Royal Flush, Dumara, Celebration, Paradise, Sangria, Oasis, Star Bright, Baron, Samos, Celebration, Arriba, etc. from America.
Land Preparation and Planting Watermelon Seeds
Land Preparation for Watermelon Farming
Land preparation for watermelon farming
It is sowed during the months of February to March in North India and then during November to January in the west and North East India. The seeds are sown at a depth of 2-3 cm from the topsoil. The spacing method during sowing varies according to the type of sowing being followed.
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