Gardening 101: What is a dummy melon on a watermelon plant?

“Even a mild frost may cause serious damage to the tissues of the fruit. Late winter is the best period to sow melon seeds in tropical climates. In India, it usually starts from December to February depending on the temperature,” mentioned Ananya.

Here’s what to consider.

Sandy soil: Melon needs soil with great drainage and pH range between 6 and 7.5 as they prefer slightly acidic conditions. Sandy loam soil (though it can be also grown in black soil) is the best for them, because melon vines are likely to be caught by fungus.

Sufficient sunlight: Melons are summer babies, they need plenty of direct sunlight to grow. 6-8 hours or more full sunlight is ideal. The deficiency of sunlight reduces the size and sugar content of the fruit.

Water: Watering melons is sometimes tricky but not complicated. They need consistent water, especially during the early stage of growth. Always soak the soil thoroughly but do not sprinkle the plant with a hose. Make sure to water them from the ground level. When fruits tend to ripe, reduce the watering to enhance flavour, said Ananya.

Here’s how to enhance the flavour (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Fertiliser and fungicide: There is no strict schedule for fertilising melons. “Nitrogen-based fertilisers are preferred when vines start branching and flowering. Switch to potassium and phosphorus-based fertiliser when optimal production of fruit is expected. Make sure that leaves do not come into contact with fertiliser otherwise, those will get damaged,” Ananya mentioned.

Why the first melon called a dummy need to be promptly removed?

“It sucks most of the nutrition and creates hurdles in the production of more fruits. It is recommended to remove the first fruit to minimise nutrient waste. In this way, 2-4 melons can be harvested per vine,” said Ananya.

After it is removed, one is required to dig a 7cm long hole in the soil away from the base of the plant. In it, two spoonfuls of nutrient-rich fertiliser containing nitrogen and phosphorus are put for plant growth.

 

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Additionally, take care of pruning. “Melon vines need regular pruning to the side branches and old leaves so that they can send maximum nutrients to the main stems. This way the vegetation will be controlled and easier to manage,” Ananya said.

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