Have you ever wondered just how large a watermelon can grow? If you’re fascinated by the idea of growing your own giant fruit, the Black Diamond watermelon might be the perfect choice for you. Known for its impressive size and delicious flavor, this watermelon variety is a favorite among gardeners and fruit enthusiasts alike. Let’s explore the answer to the question, “How big do Black Diamond watermelons get?”
What is a Black Diamond Watermelon?
The Black Diamond watermelon is an heirloom, open-pollinated variety that has been a popular choice for both home and commercial growers for generations. Developed in Arkansas in the 1940s by seed expert Melville Dillon, it gained popularity in the 1950s through seed catalogs and word of mouth. This late-season watermelon is known for its dark, blue-green rind and bright red, sweet flesh, making it a refreshing treat during the summer months.
Size and Weight
Black Diamond watermelons are indeed giants in the watermelon world. These melons typically measure about 12 to 14 inches in width and can weigh anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds. However, with optimal growing conditions and a little bit of luck, they can reach even more impressive sizes. Some Black Diamond watermelons have been known to tip the scales at 100 pounds or even more!
Factors Influencing Size
Several factors can influence the size of Black Diamond watermelons. These include:
- Sunlight: Watermelons thrive in sunny locations, so make sure your plants receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Soil Quality: Nutrient-rich soil is essential for healthy growth. Prepare your garden with plenty of organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients.
- Watering: Consistent watering is crucial, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Growing Season: Black Diamond watermelons require a long growing season, typically around 90 days. Gardeners with shorter growing seasons may need to start seeds indoors before transplanting them outside.
- Culling: To grow especially large Black Diamond watermelons, use a technique called culling. Choose the most healthy-looking watermelons and remove some of the others. If you are looking for extra-giant melons, leave only one or two per plant.
Growing Tips for Giant Watermelons
If your goal is to grow the biggest Black Diamond watermelon possible, here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:
- Start Early: Begin seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost to give plants a head start.
- Provide Support: As the watermelons grow, consider adding a layer of sand under each to help rain drain away and keep the melon’s surface intact and clean. You could also give your growing fruit protection from scalding sun by pushing metal hoops into the soil around each melon and draping them with burlap.
- Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for common watermelon pests and diseases, and take action to prevent or treat them promptly.
- Harvesting: Determining when Black Diamond watermelons are at peak ripeness can be a challenge. When attempting to pick a ripe watermelon, pay close attention to the tendril located where the melon connects to the plant stem. If this tendril is still green, the melon is not ripe. If the tendril has dried and turned brown, the melon is ripe or has started to ripen.
Why Grow Black Diamond Watermelons?
Besides their impressive size, Black Diamond watermelons offer several other benefits:
- Flavor: The flesh is known for its sweet, refreshing taste, making it a perfect summer treat.
- Drought Resistance: Black Diamond watermelons are drought-resistant, making them a good choice for gardeners in drier climates.
- Popularity: This variety has been a favorite for generations, known for its reliability and delicious flavor.
- Fun: Growing giant watermelons can be a fun and rewarding experience for gardeners of all ages.
Conclusion
Black Diamond watermelons can grow to be quite large, typically weighing between 30 to 50 pounds, and sometimes reaching up to 100 pounds or more. With the right growing conditions, attention to detail, and a bit of patience, you can cultivate your own giant Black Diamond watermelon and impress your friends and neighbors with this remarkable fruit.