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Western PA

Hello, this is my first year growing the watermelons. I am wondering Ideally whats the rough size range the plant should be at right now. If you have pics that would be great.

Thanks

6/13/2008 2:16:29 PM

Mt.Pleasant,Iowa

Well my fair plants are 16 x 4 feet but they are for August 12th. The fall plants are much smaller then they should be. the soil was way too cold this year so the plants either died or just sat there and now they are growing. The goal is to have fruit on by July 4th for Oct weigh-off.They can be set out on 3-4 feet from main stump. The plants will grow very fast once the weather warms up. So if your plants are just laying down you still have time to get one set by July 4th.

6/13/2008 5:43:56 PM

formerly RGG

Hello
My plant also had a very slow start due to a very cool spring.It has been a long time since I tried growing a giant melon and I seem to have had forgotten they are warm weather plants.I have been reading a lot and nearly everyone thinks around July 4 or so is about as late as you can wait to get the biggest melons.Some seem to prefer to set them by around the middle of June.These people srart their plants inside and grow them under grow lights and they are sometimes already blooming by the time they get them set out in the garden.I have been using 2 400 watt metal halide lighs on mine at night after I figured out I was way far behind where I needed to be in plant size for so late in the spring.The last time a grew Carolina Cross watermelons my best one was 103 pounds.I think I will be able to beat that this year.My plant is now about 10 feet long by five feet wide and has very large leaves, very healthy color and the first unfertilized ovaries are beginning to appear.I think the answer to your question is to grow the plant as large as possible by the first of July and then let fruit set and wait a few days to pick out your favorite and then pick off all other fertile melons to concentrate all the strength of the vine into your hoped for giant.
I hope this helps some.
Dennis M

6/13/2008 8:42:49 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

I would have to measure, but my plants are behind schedule right now, but they are probably 8 feet long with 4 foot side shoots. They are uncovered (Remay removed), and starting to run. I am hoping for a nice set of female flowers in the next few days that will pollinate and then again around the 27th. I am late, but who knows, they may make up for lost time.

6/16/2008 10:41:00 AM