Melon and Watermelon

Melons: Cucumis melo
Watermelons: Citrullus lanatus

Days to maturity are calculated from transplant date.

Culture
• Melons and watermelons perform best in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0
• Apply 1/2 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer and a shovelful of compost to each plant
• Watermelons are less tolerant of cool conditions than melons — the use of plastic mulch or floating row cover is highly recommended
• Monitor the temperature under the row covers on hot days, especially early in the season
• Remove covers prior to flowering for pollination

Direct Sowing
• Soil temperature is critical for good germination and only recommended in warmer climates

Transplanting
• Start indoors in 4 inch pots, 3-4 weeks before anticipated transplant date
• Grow the seedlings under dry, warm conditions
• Avoid letting starts get root bound; transplant carefully as to not disturb roots
• Fertilize seedlings with a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as Age Old Grow

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Cucumber beetles
• Insect control: Pyrethrin and row covers
• Common diseases: Bacterial wilt and powdery mildew
• Disease control: Neem
• Disease prevention: 3-4 year crop rotation, avoid overhead watering

Harvest & Storage
Melons
• Cantaloupe will easily slip from vine when ripe. The rind will also change from green to yellow or tan• If the cantaloupe falls off the vine on its own, it is likely overripe• With other melons, check the leaf where fruit is attached to the vine — fruit is mature when this leaf begins to yellow. Honeydews and similar melons will not slip off the vine until overly ripe, so use a sharp knife to remove from the vine• Melons will not ripen off vine, so be careful not to harvest too early• Pick in the cool of the day and chill quickly• Store at 40°F and 95% relative humidity for 5-6 days; wrap tightly in plastic once cut

Watermelon
• Watermelons are ready for harvest when the tendril closest to the fruit is about half dry and brown, or when the bottom side of the fruit is yellow. The fruit should sound hollow when tapped/thumped
• Watermelons will not ripen off vine, but may become overly ripe if left on the vine too long, so harvest before the tendril closest to the fruit is completely brown and dry
• Use a sharp, clean knife to cut the stem close to the fruit. Do not try to yank or twist the fruit off the vine as this may damage the plant
• Pick in the cool of the day and chill quickly
• Watermelons should be stored at 50-60°F and 85% relative humidity for up to 10 days. They begin losing moisture through the skin once harvested; proper storage slows down this process

KEY TO MELON DISEASE RESISTANCE AND TOLERANCE
A | Anthracnose
AB | Early (Alternaria) Blight
F* | Fusarium Wilt
MNSV | Melon Necrotic Spot Virus
PM* | Powdery Mildew
PRV | Papaya Ringspot Virus
WMV | Watermelon Mosaic Virus
ZYMV | Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus
*Numbers indicate specific disease race.