I'm growing them this year, the vines seem healthy but not all that large(7-8ft), I had 4 melons growing on the 3 vines, 1 was about 10" or so across and the other 3 were about the size of a hardball or a little larger(4-5"). Last night I checked on them and all three of the small ones were cracked/split open. I picked them and opened them up to check them out, they all seemed to be fully mature, seeds and all and the few spoons full of flesh that they each had tasted great, red, sweet and crispy but all 3 maybe had a cup and a half worth of flesh total. I also picked the larger 10" one and it also was/is delicious. So why were they so small and why did they mature at such a small size??
I grew some this season for the first time as well and have similar results...one about 10-12" and a couple of small ones. They are really dark in color, pretty much a solid dark green...no striping or anything like that, so I am not sure if they are ripe now or not even close yet. I threw away the seed package, and don't remember if they were supposed to be this dark...didn't think so. Mine have not cracked, and are still well attached...I am wondering how much longer before I should pick them?
I also did cantaloupe for the first time and have a couple of decent sized ones and a few small ones. On those, it's sort of obvious, as one of them looks just like what you'd get from the store...it's just hard as a rock still and I will probably pick it this weekend.
Having never grown either of these, I'd say the crazy, hot weather probably had an affect on their growth. For me, although the vines are inter-tangled and difficult to trace, the larger melons seem to be closer to root, so perhaps they are getting the better share of nutrients and water?
what variety of watermelon were they? From what i read they sound like Sugar Baby watermelon and they stay small.
Not sure, like lil'Rob I didn't save the pack, but sugar babies ring a bell for some reason. Small is ok, but 4" is a bit to small. The larger one was very good, maybe the sweetest, best I've ever had. Just hope it's not done producing, vines look great but I'm not seeing any blooms.
Not sure, like lil'Rob I didn't save the pack, but sugar babies ring a bell for some reason. Small is ok, but 4" is a bit to small. The larger one was very good, maybe the sweetest, best I've ever had. Just hope it's not done producing, vines look great but I'm not seeing any blooms.
You can try miracle grow bloom buster liquid fertilizer. It would boost flower production and health
Watermelon question
Watermelon question
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