Pollenizers

Planting: Start in the greenhouse and allow 28 - 35 days to get plants ready to transplant. Excessive water during germination must be avoided. Water transplant growing medium well and allow excess moisture to drain and moisture to stabilize for 24 - 48 hours. Bring medium temperature to 80 - 95ºF before seeding. Seedcoat adherence to cotyledons may be virtually eliminated by orienting the seed in transplant trays with the pointed end up at a 45º to 90º angle. Plant transplants 6 - 12 feet apart with 36” between plants.

Planting Guidelines - Watermelon

Approximate Seeds per Pound:

4,000 - 8,000 (large), 8,000 - 10,000 (small)

Seeding Rate per Acre by Weight:

5.1 - 5.1 oz (large), 2.6 - 4 oz (small)

Seeding Rate per Acre in M (1,000):

1.3 - 2.6 M

Seeding Rate Seeds per 1,000 foot of Row:

333

Seed or Plant Spacing In Row:

36"

Seed or Plant Spacing Between Rows:

72 - 144"

Seed or Plant Spacing Depth:

.5 - 1"

Recommended Soil Temperature:

80 - 95°F

Days to Germination:

8 - 12

Management: Scout fields every 7 days to monitor weed, insect, and disease pressure. Place pollinating insects near the field to ensure proper pollination. Water only if necessary. Do not over-water.

Harvest: Ripeness is indicated by a cream to slight yellowing of the white background color of the part of the melon that rests on the ground. Drying of the stem tendril nearest the attachment point of the watermelon and green color tone of the rind are also indicators of ripeness but these vary with cultivar. Melons should be cut from the vine rather than pulled, twisted, or broken off.

Storage: Store at 50 - 60ºF and at a humidity level of 90 - 95%. This will ensure a long shelf life.