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Corryton, TN

Did anyone grow a solid melon over 150 pounds or so. I mean solid asin NO hollow spots.

10/20/2011 6:52:59 AM

Muddy Waters

I dont think thats genectic Dave!Chris ,Bill & Marvin say its not,Bill & Chris have solid melons.

10/20/2011 8:27:34 AM

Corryton, TN

It may not be. What I have noticed is that when universities do variety trials they document the number/percentage of "hollow heart" on each variety. Why? There can be big differences. You know I raise commercial melons and I found NO hollow hearts this year in them. Same weather, similar fert program, and similar watering. Whats the difference? Just looking for answers. If I can eliminate the voids and retain size, oh my oh my.

10/20/2011 9:11:13 AM

formerly RGG

All the big ones I cut had hollow spots. I'm not sure about my 204.5 as I sold it at Allardt.

10/20/2011 9:26:16 AM

SW Ohio

My 159.5 was solid.. There was one tiny crack shaped like a T about 1/8 inch wide both ways and each part of the T was about 4 inches long. It was a very long skinny melon so I chalked it up to that.
My 179.5 was cracked wider but I wouldn't call it hollow. Just split apart somewhat in the heart area. It was a tall shorter melon. I haven't cut the 185 yet so I don't know about it.

10/20/2011 10:25:43 AM

Lexington,IN

So what does Chris, Bill & Marvin say is the cause? Inconsistent watering??

10/20/2011 11:21:05 AM

Linden, Mi.,

BrotherDave, my 234 was air tight, Marvin Mitchell was here when I cut it. You seen it at Dundee.
As for watering, yes I think it is the biggest part of growing.

As for being in the gene, my self, don't so, I think it is just that they just grow so fast. (air space in side)

10/20/2011 1:46:13 PM

sevierville, Tn

i think they are very susseptable to hollow heart. is that due to genetics or fast growth I don't know. But either way it happens. More water will limit the hollow void, but it seems that there is a balance. Too much water = no hollow & maybe rotted plant/vine/stump/melon. Not enough = air bag. Maybe something in between. I rather have a 275 with air then 200 with no air or no melon. Of cource i'll take 300 with no air too ;)

10/20/2011 2:47:51 PM

Linden, Mi.,

yes Chris I agree, a thin line - to much and not enough.
How much can have a lot as to what type of soil you are growing on.
I water at stump and on vines

10/20/2011 2:59:13 PM

Linden, Mi.,

,can have a lot to do as to what type of soil. (water)

ALL I HAVE TO DO IS SLOW DOWN :o) (when typing)

10/20/2011 3:25:35 PM

Muddy Waters

Great feedback!

10/20/2011 6:10:19 PM

Nicholls Georgia

melon growers here that just grow for market have always sed that a hollow heart is from inconststent watering from letting the dirt get to dry

10/20/2011 6:47:04 PM

Bowdon, GA

Last year we got almost zero cloudy days, I have six melons with no voids. This year we had lots of cloudy days, but I took all the measures I could come up with to avoid hollow spots. 3 had no void, the big one did. All 4 were treated the same. I maybe wrong but I think there are many factors involved. I think you can reduce the chance of hollow heart but sometimes it just happens.

10/21/2011 11:48:44 AM

Bowdon, GA

Heres my question if the potential of my plant is to produce a 200 pound melon under the conditions in my garden. Watered and fertilized to the best of my ablity. Other than breaking your heart when you weight it does light or heavy matter? Would it have produced 200 pounds either way? Same weight regardless of size?

10/21/2011 11:54:24 AM

Corryton, TN

If we could prove a plant's limit is 200 under those conditions, and you get it, it doesn't matter. I personally don't think I have ever maxed out a seed, not even close. If its genetic suseptability we may be able to pick up a gain of X percent just by selective breeding. I was hoping that we would see lines or a seed that produced denser melons than some of the others. If we can't find seeds that seem better, and I think there are some, then I have to ask is it only water? Could it be too much/little N,P,K or calcium, boron,sulpher,etc? What about day/night temperature variance? Bright sun or cloudy? Maybe its plant hormones related to vine pruning or sucker melons being pulled too early/late. Even though we try for most of us each plot in our patch is not exactly the same. I don't think it is only genetic. I think there is an answer(s) just got to keep turning over rocks and picking everyone's brain.

10/21/2011 2:25:15 PM

Muddy Waters

I dont think so Jake,I beleive if a melon is growing so fast its getting a bigger void,It will still outweigh a solid fruit that grew slower,but solid.Does this make sense??lol

10/21/2011 3:27:35 PM

Bowdon, GA

I have had alot less hollow heart the last two years. Even the ones that did have it were not as bad as in the past. Things I do differently than before. More frequent consistant watering, Higher calcium, PH higher, K higher,CO2, pruning and cut some trees. Is it one thing, combination of a few or all I don't know. I do think maximum hours of sun light and watering are big factors, but maybe not the only ones. Good question Bro Dave.

10/21/2011 5:59:37 PM

Trinity River Bottom

I'm under the 150 mark but my 147 didn't have even a small crack in it was totally solid.

10/24/2011 3:36:50 PM

sevierville, Tn

I cut my hydro melon, 177.7 lbs, still had a large hole in it. Oh well, it may be like the pumpkins, some lines may go heavy(smaller holes) & some lines will be light, big holes !

10/24/2011 3:53:35 PM