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formerly RGG

I have heard of melons growing on the vine for 110 days. I figure Fiona will be about 116 days on the vine by the time Hamilton rolls around. Can a melon grow for that long ? Well it was aleady going to be a wait and see thing.

9/2/2018 2:45:11 AM

Princeton Kentucky

I'm sure all plants have some internal clock ticking so I believe soil condition most likely is the deal when it comes to longevity. This is the 1st year I can still reach down under the growth anywhere in the patches and its like forest soil, light fluffy aerated, even where it has been stepped in. My plan was for the big night crawlers to be moving the soil constantly to keep the soil alive & mobile and honestly I think they are the hardest workers in the patch. I feel the proper feeding of light fluffy soil is the key for good bug & bio activity in the soil. The soil even has a weird warm feel to it. I'm amazed how confined my patches are but yet it can rain 4" and it drains because the soil is not hard panned over after weeks & weeks of settling. Then again what the heck do I know,lol!

9/2/2018 6:54:44 AM

formerly RGG

I think you know enough to get worldwide recognition. lol So you get super drainage and lots of oxygen to your soil. Kind of what I figured.

9/2/2018 7:22:24 AM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Soil quality is likely a very important factor. Heat is another one. Warmer temperatures speed up things, including the aging process. Listening to farm radio here in Iowa, the experts talked about degree days and how the heat matured the corn crop faster. So fast they said it cut the time the plants had to suck up moisture and nutrients and create sugars from photosynthesis. So they expect lighter test weights. I can see that happening with about any plant. Warmer weather ages and matures it faster. I just hope the weather has been right to keep Fiona growing to an old age and heavy weight.

9/2/2018 10:30:33 PM

formerly RGG

Fiona may possibly be the oldest watermelon to ever get to the scales if she makes it 116 days. If cool weather is the trick for getting her there then I hope for cool weather for the next few weeks. But hey we are rapidly headed toward fall and cooler temperatures anyway. I just hope there is no frost on her vines before she is picked.

9/3/2018 1:02:06 AM

NE Arkansas

There have been melons in the 130 day range make it to the scale... We had one last year at dap 132 when it was picked... Bartoli has gotten 120+ days from some melons and I think Chris has gotten some long growth cycles..

9/3/2018 7:39:21 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

My 180 went for 101 days.

9/3/2018 8:27:35 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

Probably could have gone longer but I had to pick it and clean out the garden because we were moving !

9/3/2018 8:28:36 PM