There are more than 50 different types of watermelon, many of which you’ve probably never seen or partaken in. In recent years, with the comeback of heirloom vegetable seeds, there are probably some new watermelon plant types that you’d like to grow in your own home garden. The best way to start learning about how to grow a watermelon plant is by first going online and finding some free seeds and planting some yourself. You’ll find that they are quite easy plants to take care of, making them a great indoor plant choice for anyone who likes to grow their own vegetables.
The basic structure of a watermelon plant is fairly simple, although it can be easily spruced up to make a more interesting plant. It starts out as a creeper-like plant that grows upright up to eight feet high and is covered with small white to pinkish flowers that grow in clumps. The flowers usually appear as a single pearl-like cluster that’s about one half to one inch in diameter. While they’re a bit large, the short, thin tendrils on the lower end of the leaves make it easy to grow these plants into a beautiful, decorative bonsai.
There are actually three types of flowers on the watermelon plant. The primary distinguishable element between the male and female flowers is the color. Male flowers are pink, while female flowers are red in color. The male flowers tend to appear longer and fuller than the female flowers. Most of the time, the female flowers will last for only two weeks before dying, while the male flower will live up to six weeks before dropping its seed.
When you plant your own backyard watermelons, it’s important to select healthy plants. Select plants that have good growing conditions, like well-drained and rich soil. Make sure that your soil is firm and well-drained and that it doesn’t retain excess water. Don’t plant your watermelons directly into your garden or flower bed, because there is always the risk of root rot. If your vines don’t have support from fences, decks, trellis or other support structures they will likely grow uncontrollably and eventually die.
When you start growing season for your Watermelon Plant, try to get as much sunlight and moisture as possible. Sunlight will help the seeds germinate. Moisture will keep the plant healthy and grow strong. Different varieties of Watermelon Vines have different needs, so be sure to check with a local nursery to determine the right growing environment for your variety of Watermelon Plant. Some varieties of this fruit will need more frequent watering than other varieties.
Your initial mulch layer should be a one-inch deep layer. This mulch layer will help keep the roots of the plants deep in the soil, and it will also help the plants stay slightly above the surface of the soil. Mulching with straw, leaves or branches can actually help your plants, since they can soak up some of the water that would otherwise get lost in less deep layers of mulch. Be sure not to use any type of sharp mulch tools, such as scatters or sharp spades.