If you’ve ever wondered how to grow yellow watermelon, you’re in for a treat. Yellow watermelons are a delightful twist on the classic red-fleshed fruit, offering a sweeter, honey-like flavor and a sunny splash of color inside. Growing them is surprisingly easy, especially if you have a warm climate and plenty of space. Here’s your friendly, step-by-step guide to growing these golden gems in your garden or even in large containers.
What Is Yellow Watermelon?
Yellow watermelon is a natural variety of Citrullus lanatus, the same species as the traditional red watermelon. The yellow flesh is a result of a natural mutation, and these melons are often sweeter and crisper than their red counterparts. They thrive in warm weather and are perfect for gardeners looking to try something a little different with a fun visual twist.
Choosing the Right Variety
If you’re new to growing yellow watermelon, start with smaller, fast-growing varieties that are beginner-friendly. Some popular types include:
– Yellow Petite
– Yellow Doll
– Yellow Baby
These varieties are easier to manage and produce sweet, juicy fruits that are perfect for snacking or salads.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Yellow Watermelon
Sunlight
Yellow watermelons need full sun-at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a sunny spot in your garden away from shade caused by buildings or trees.
Soil
They prefer rich, sandy, loamy soil with good drainage. The soil should be nutrient-rich and slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.5 and 7. If your soil is poor, amend it with compost or well-rotted manure to boost fertility. Raised beds can help if you have heavy clay soil.
Temperature
Watermelons are warm-season plants. Plant seeds or transplants after the last frost when soil temperatures reach about 70°F (21°C). They grow best in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 12, but warmer zones (9 and above) are ideal for the best fruit development.
How to Plant Yellow Watermelon
Planting Seeds
– Sow seeds 1 inch deep directly in the garden or in large containers (at least 5 gallons with drainage holes).
– Plant 3-4 seeds per hole, spaced about 5-6 feet apart in the garden. If planting in pots, sow 4 seeds per container.
– For garden beds, plant on mounds or hills to keep roots warm, except in very hot climates (zones 9 and above) where flat planting with mulch is better to keep roots cool.
Thinning
Once seedlings emerge (usually within two weeks), thin to the strongest plant per mound or pot by snipping weaker seedlings at soil level. This helps the healthiest plants thrive.
Avoid Cross-Pollination
If you want to grow multiple watermelon varieties, plant only one type per area or keep different varieties at least half an acre apart to prevent cross-pollination, which can affect fruit quality.
Watering and Fertilizing
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist until the fruit reaches about the size of a tennis ball. After that, water deeply but less frequently-about 1-2 inches per week. Overwatering can cause fruit cracking and dilute sweetness. Stop watering 7-10 days before harvest to concentrate sugars and improve flavor.
Fertilizing
– Start with a fertilizer high in nitrogen to encourage healthy vine growth.
– Once flowers appear, switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium to support fruit development.
– Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage and poor fruit quality.
Mulching
Apply mulch like straw, grass clippings, or leaves to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and keep the soil cool-especially important in hot climates.
Caring for Your Yellow Watermelon Plants
– Space: Give each plant enough room to spread, about 5-6 feet apart, as watermelon vines grow long and need space to flourish.
– Support: If growing in pots, you can train vines to grow vertically with trellises or let them sprawl on the ground.
– Pest and Disease Control: Avoid overhead watering to reduce foliar diseases. Monitor for pests and diseases regularly and take appropriate action if needed.
When and How to Harvest Yellow Watermelon
Knowing when to harvest is key to enjoying the best flavor and texture:
– The rind color will dull and lose its shiny green hue.
– The tendril nearest to the fruit will dry and turn brown.
– The spot where the melon rests on the ground turns yellow.
– A ripe melon will sound hollow when tapped.
Harvest your yellow watermelons carefully and store them in a cool place. They can keep fresh for up to three weeks.
Yellow watermelons are a fun, sweet, and visually striking addition to any garden. With the right care-plenty of sun, rich soil, consistent watering, and space to grow-you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of these golden delights that are sure to impress family and friends alike. Happy gardening!