Seedless watermelon has become a beloved treat for many, offering juicy sweetness without the hassle of spitting out seeds. But have you ever wondered how seedless watermelons are grown, especially since they seem to come without seeds? Let’s dive into the fascinating process of how you get a seedless watermelon and how you can grow one yourself!
What Is a Seedless Watermelon?
Seedless watermelons are not naturally seedless; they are a special type of hybrid fruit created through careful breeding. Unlike regular watermelons, which have two sets of chromosomes (diploid), seedless watermelons are triploid, meaning they have three sets of chromosomes. This odd number of chromosomes makes them sterile, so they cannot produce viable seeds inside the fruit.
The small white “seeds” you see in seedless watermelons are actually just soft, undeveloped seed coats. Occasionally, you might find a few hard, dark seeds, but these are rare and do not affect the seedless nature of the fruit.
How Are Seedless Watermelons Created?
The process of creating seedless watermelons involves crossing two types of watermelon plants:
– A diploid watermelon (normal, two sets of chromosomes)
– A tetraploid watermelon (four sets of chromosomes, created through special breeding techniques)
When these two are crossed, the resulting watermelon is triploid (three sets of chromosomes), which makes it sterile and unable to produce mature seeds. This is similar to how a mule is created by crossing a horse and a donkey.
Growing Seedless Watermelons: What You Need to Know
Growing seedless watermelons is a bit more complex than growing regular seeded ones. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
1. You Need Both Seedless and Seeded Watermelon Plants
Since seedless watermelons are sterile, they cannot pollinate themselves. To get fruit, you must plant pollinizer plants-these are seeded watermelons (diploid)-near your seedless watermelons. Typically, farmers plant one row of seeded watermelons for every two rows of seedless watermelons to ensure proper pollination by bees.
2. Start with Special Seedless Watermelon Seeds or Transplants
Seedless watermelon seeds are available but are more expensive and harder to germinate than regular seeds. They require warm soil temperatures (around 75-80°F or 23-26°C) and a well-drained, sterile potting mix for best results.
3. Germination Tips for Seedless Watermelon Seeds
– Pre-warm your soil or seed-starting mix to about 80°F before planting.
– Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep, with the pointed end facing up or at a slight angle to help the seedling emerge easily.
– Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to avoid rotting.
– Use a humidity dome or cover to maintain moisture and warmth during germination.
4. Transplanting and Growing Conditions
Once seedlings have runners about 6-8 inches long and the outdoor soil temperature is consistently above 70°F (21°C), you can transplant them into your garden. Watermelons thrive in full sun and need well-drained soil enriched with compost or organic matter.
5. Spacing and Care
Plant seedless watermelon seedlings about 6 feet apart in rows spaced 8 feet apart. Water regularly, providing about 1 inch of water per week, and keep an eye out for pests and diseases.
Why Are Seedless Watermelons More Expensive?
The process to produce seedless watermelons is labor-intensive and requires more careful management:
– Seedless watermelon seeds cost more because they are produced through complex breeding.
– Germination rates are lower, so growers often overseed and thin plants, which adds to costs.
– The need to plant pollinizer rows increases the space and resources needed for growing.
All these factors contribute to seedless watermelons being pricier than their seeded counterparts.
Fun Facts About Seedless Watermelon
– The seedless watermelon is a sterile hybrid, much like how a mule is sterile.
– Seedless watermelons may sometimes contain a few hard seeds, but these are exceptions.
– Some people find seeded watermelons sweeter, but seedless varieties offer convenience and longer shelf life.
Growing Seedless Watermelon at Home: A Quick Recap
– Purchase seedless watermelon seeds or transplants from a reputable supplier.
– Start seeds indoors in warm, moist conditions with a sterile potting mix.
– Plant pollinizer (seeded) watermelon plants alongside your seedless ones for pollination.
– Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are warm enough.
– Provide plenty of sunlight, water, and space for healthy growth.
– Be patient-watermelons typically take 85-100 days to mature.
Seedless watermelons are a rewarding challenge for gardeners who want to enjoy this refreshing fruit without the seeds. With the right care and understanding of their unique growing needs, you can savor your own slice of summer sweetness!
Enjoy growing your seedless watermelons and the delicious, seed-free bites that come with them!