From

Location

Message

Date Posted

formerly RGG

I had a late start this year as this is the first time in about 20 years I have tried to grow a giant watermelon.I waited too long to germinate and then set the plants into cold ground.They sat there for several weeks doing little growing.A couple of weeks ago the weather warmed up tremendously and also I started using HID lights at night to help out.My question is: how long should I wait to let my plant set fruit ? I know that the bigger the vine the better. I am also aware that,if I wait too long,the days will be getting shorter and provide less light for growth and also the weather might cool before the melon has finished growing and this would inhibit it's ultimate size.

6/11/2008 9:07:51 PM

Bowdon, GA

I could be wrong, but I ussually try setting the first fruits. I ussually try to pick the best of the first few. I'm always afraid if I pull all of them I won't have anymore. I seems to me that earlier ones get bigger.

6/14/2008 5:02:51 PM

formerly RGG

Hi
Thanks for the reply.I have already picked 2 female blooms off my plant because they were spaped poorly.I have now noticed 2 more female blossoms with the classic shape of giant melons.Some refer to it as zeppelin shaped. Early may indeed be better due to longer daylight hours.In my experience a healthy plant will try hard to set fruit.So I think you would have no problems getting more female blossoms.Our local fair is in the first part of September so I don't want to set too early and possibly have a large melon that wouldn't last long enough.I grew a melon about 103 pounds around 20 years ago. How well have you done in past years if you don't mind me asking?
Thanks,
Dennis Masterson

6/14/2008 5:47:37 PM