Watermelon has almost become synonymous with summer; the thought of summer immediately brings to mind watermelon. Watermelon quenches thirst, cools and relieves heat, making it a staple fruit in many households during the summer. For farmers, watermelon is also a good planting choice. So, how many watermelon plants should be planted per acre? Let's take a look.
1. How many watermelon plants should be planted per acre?
The planting density of watermelons varies depending on the cultivation method and management level, generally 400-600 plants per acre, with denser planting reaching around 1000 plants per acre. Planting density is closely related to fruit size, quality, and yield. The appropriate planting density can be determined based on soil conditions, variety characteristics, climate conditions, management level, pruning methods, and cultivation objectives.
II. Introduction to Watermelon Growth Habits and Cultivation Techniques
1. Growth Habits
(1) Temperature: Watermelons prefer a warm and humid climate, and the suitable temperature for growth is 25-35℃. Watermelon growth will be affected when the temperature is below 15℃ or above 40℃.
(2) Sunlight: Watermelons need plenty of sunlight, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day.
(3) Water: Watermelons need sufficient water during their growth period, especially during the flowering and fruiting period. The soil should be kept moist but not too wet.
(4) Soil: Watermelons are suitable for growing in well-drained sandy or loamy soil, with the optimal pH value between 6.0 and 6.8.
(5) Growth cycle: It generally takes 70-100 days from sowing to maturity, and the specific time varies depending on the variety.
2. Planting techniques
(1) Seed selection: Select watermelon seeds or seedlings that are suitable for the local climate and soil conditions.
(2) Sowing: Sow seeds when the temperature is stable above 15℃ in spring. Seeds can be soaked in warm water before sowing to improve the germination rate.
(3) Land preparation: Select a well-drained plot of land, deeply plow the soil and apply sufficient base fertilizer, such as farmyard manure or compound fertilizer .
(4) Planting: Watermelons can be sown directly from seeds or transplanted from seedlings. The planting density depends on the variety and soil conditions, and the plant spacing is generally 60-100 cm.
3. Management
(1) Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially during the flowering and fruiting period.
(2) Fertilization: Apply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in a timely manner during the growth process.
(3) Weeding: Weeding should be done in a timely manner to prevent weeds from competing with watermelons for nutrients and water.
(4) Disease and pest control: Pay attention to the prevention and control of common diseases and pests, such as powdery mildew and aphids.
(5) Harvesting: Watermelons generally mature about 40 days after flowering. The maturity can be judged by the sound of tapping, the shape of the stem, and the color.
