Understanding the ripening characteristics of watermelons is crucial for successful watermelon cultivation, as it allows for precise timing of market releases and ultimately, higher profits. So, how many days does it take for a watermelon to mature from flowering? Let's find out.
How many days does it take for a watermelon to grow from flowering to ripening?
Watermelons typically take about 30 days to mature from flowering. Of course, different varieties have different maturation times; for example, late-maturing watermelons mature relatively slowly, possibly taking about 40 days.
How can you tell if a watermelon is ripe?
1. Fruit morphology observation method
When a watermelon is ripe, its rind is generally hard, smooth, and glossy, with clear patterns and the characteristic ripe rind color of the variety. The navel (where the corolla falls off) and the stem (where the stalk attaches) of the fruit contract inward and become sunken. The part of the fruit that touches the ground turns yellow and rough, and the bristles on the stalk become sparse and inconspicuous when yellowing. This indicates that the watermelon is ripe.
2. Hand-touching and patting method
A ripe watermelon feels smooth to the touch, while an unripe watermelon feels rough. Additionally, when you hold the watermelon in your hand and tap or flick its surface, a low, dull sound ("thump, thump, thump") usually indicates a ripe watermelon, while a firm sound usually indicates an unripe watermelon.
3. How to judge female flowers
Under the same environmental conditions, the time from the opening of the female flower to the ripening of the fruit is basically fixed for the same variety of watermelon. Generally, it takes about 30 days for early ripening, about 35 days for mid-ripening, and about 40 days for late ripening.
4. Specific gravity method
A mature watermelon typically has a specific gravity between 0.90 and 0.95. A specific gravity greater than 0.95 indicates that the watermelon is not yet ripe, while a specific gravity less than 0.90 indicates that the watermelon is overripe.
5. Water flotation method
A ripe melon will float when placed in water; it is ripe when 1/20 to 1/10 of it is above the water.
