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One of the key components of successful watermelon cultivation is choosing the right variety. In cool climates, it is advisable to prefer early and mid-early ripening varieties capable of yielding a crop during a short summer.
Here are some of them:
- Kolkhoznitsa is one of the most popular varieties among gardeners. The fruits of this variety can reach a weight of up to 1 kg and appear just 70-80 days after emergence of seedlings.
- Altayskaya is a variety well adapted to the conditions of Western Siberia. The fruits of this small variety up to 800 g ripen in 75-85 days.
- Zolushka is an early variety that produces fruits weighing up to 1.5 kg in just 60-65 days after emergence of seedlings.
These varieties are characterized by high frost resistance and quickly forming fruits, which is especially important in short summer conditions.
Watermelon cultivation begins with preparing seedlings. Seeds should be planted in late April to early May in separate pots or peat pellets.
The soil should be light and fertile, consisting of a mixture of sod soil, compost, and sand. The optimal temperature for seed germination is +25…+28°C.
After the appearance of the first true leaves, the seedlings can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground under plastic film. Plants should be hardened off before planting outdoors by increasing the time spent in fresh air.
Seedlings should be transplanted into open ground only after the soil temperature reaches +15°C and the threat of frost has passed. This usually occurs in mid-June. The recommended spacing between plants is 50-70 cm, and between rows is 100-120 cm.
Prepare ridges for watermelons in advance, adding organic fertilizers (compost, manure) and mineral supplements to the soil. Choose a sunny and wind-protected planting location, as watermelon prefers warmth and light.
Watermelon care includes regular watering, fertilizing, soil loosening, and plant training. Watering should be moderate to prevent root rot. It is especially important to water plants during flowering and fruit formation.
Plants should be fed every two weeks, alternating between organic and mineral fertilizers. Loosening the soil helps improve oxygen access to the roots and prevent soil crusting.
Plant training involves removing excess shoots and ovaries so that the plant's energy is focused on growing the main fruits. Typically, 2-3 fruits are left on one plant.
Like other plants, watermelons can be attacked by pests and diseases. The main pests are aphids, spider mites, and moths. They can be eliminated with insecticides or home remedies, such as garlic or tobacco infusions.
Common diseases are powdery mildew and anthracnose. To prevent these diseases, biological fungicides are used, and agronomic recommendations such as crop rotation and destruction of infected plants are followed.
Watermelons should be harvested when the fruits are fully ripe. Readiness can be determined by the characteristic aroma and change in skin color. Overripe fruits lose sweetness and become soft, so it is important not to miss the harvesting time.
