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Tasmania Australia

Hi, kind of my first year at really growing the watermelons, Mine is sitting at around 90 pounds so far and almost done, so i am happy with that result for a first time grower of melons.

I am just looking to find some information on vine pruning techniques as i am guessing they are slightly different from pumpkins,
This year i just let the plant grow and removed every fruit apart from one, so not real sure which vine it grew on.

Do watermelons have a main vine to grow the largest melon on? My plant put out 5 or 6 vines, not real sure which is actually the main vine.

If there is a main vine, do you prune off all the other vines that are starting to run, and then run secondary vines of the main vine as you do a pumpkin?

Just looking for as much information as i can for the next season.
Cheers.

3/3/2017 5:05:19 PM

NE Arkansas

The other vines off the stump are called finger vines... it's preferred to set a melon on the main or a finger off the stump if necessary... but not on a secondary off the main or finger vines

3/5/2017 11:54:17 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

bluesilver...as you already know...90#'s is a massive melon, congrats!!! Peace, Wayne Grow em BIG!!

3/6/2017 12:09:11 AM

Tasmania Australia

Cheers, Yes, happy with 90#, next year learning a bit more about them, i am hoping to get over 100#
I am thinking that you now don't prune the vines as you would a pumpkin, as in just keep one main vine and then let the runner ( fingures ) run off this, or keep all vines?
Cheers.

3/6/2017 1:38:31 AM

Corryton, TN

Most folks don't prune like a pumpkin. Train the main and first 2-3 sides to go the direction you want. After fruit set terminate vine growth outside your chosen area. Continue to feed and water throughout the season including nitrogen and you'll be pushing 200+ pounds.

3/6/2017 5:26:18 AM

Tasmania Australia

Ok cheers, definitely a little different from Pumpkins.
Will be keen to see how it goes next season,
This season it was just grown on on any random vine, so most likely is just on a finger vine.
Appreciated.

3/7/2017 12:15:30 AM