watermelonCitrullus lanatus

watermelon

watermelons

1. Citrullus vulgaris
2. Cucurbita citrullus
3. Momordica lanata

1. gourd fruit
2. melon

1. watermelon
2. gourd fruit
3. melon
4. Citrullus lanatus

1. Tracheophytes
2. Angiosperms
3. Eudicots
4. Rosids

Gourd family

1. Fruit

The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a popular summer fruit that requires plenty of warmth and sun. It originates from Africa and belongs to the gourd family. With its sweet, juicy flesh, it is a refreshing delicacy on hot days. Cultivation requires patience and the right conditions, but rewards with a bountiful harvest.

1. TaskSowing indoor

   Label

   Sowing indoors

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3

   ConditionSoil temperature at least 20-25°C

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Watermelons are light germinators. Sow them in individual pots to avoid pricking out.

1. TaskPricking out

   Label

   Pricking out

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4

   ConditionSeedlings have developed true leaves

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   If the seedlings are too crowded, prick them out into larger pots.

1. TaskPlanting out

   Label

   Planting out into open ground/greenhouse

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5

   ConditionNo risk of frost, soil temperature at least 15°C

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Ensure sufficient planting distance (1-1.5 m). Provide protection from wind if necessary.

1. TaskWatering and fertilizing

   Label

   Watering and fertilizing

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   ConditionActive growth

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Water regularly and deeply, especially in hot weather. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer.

2. TaskWeeding

   Label

   Weeding

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6

   ConditionWeeds present

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Keep the bed free of weeds to avoid competition.

1. TaskWatering

   Label

   Watering

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7

   ConditionDry weather

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Especially important during fruit development. Avoid waterlogging.

2. TaskFertilizing

   Label

   Fertilizing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7

   ConditionFruit development

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   A second fertilization can be done if needed, preferably with a potassium-rich fertilizer.

1. TaskPest and disease control

   Label

   Pest and disease control

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8

   ConditionSymptoms observed

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Watch for signs of powdery mildew, aphids, or spider mites.

1. TaskHarvesting

   Label

   Harvesting

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 9

   ConditionFruits ripe

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvest ripe fruits. Protect them from heavy rain to prevent rot.

1. TaskFinal harvest

   Label

   Final harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10

   ConditionBefore first frost

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvest all remaining fruits before the first frost.

Sunny and sheltered from wind

Full sun

1. humusreich
2. sandig-lehmig

Requires a warm, sunny, and sheltered location. A south-facing wall or a greenhouse is ideal.

Nutrient-rich, loose, and well-draining

Compost, well-rotted manure

The soil should be deeply worked and improved with organic matter to ensure water retention and nutrient supply.

Regularly, especially during dry periods

At the root collar, avoid waterlogging

Lukewarm, room-temperature water

Consistent moisture is important for fruit development. Drought stress can cause fruits to split or become bitter. Mulching helps retain moisture.

Balanced liquid fertilizer, compost, organic fertilizers

Every 2-4 weeks during the growth and fruiting phase

High demand for potassium and phosphorus for fruit development

Good nutrient supply is crucial for a rich harvest. Over-fertilization with nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit development.

Watermelons require a lot of space and should not be planted too closely. They are well-suited for intercropping with plants that require less space.

Watermelon Nutrient Deficiencies

Symptoms and remedies for nutrient deficiencies in watermelons.

1. Slugstickstoffmangel

   Name

   Nitrogen Deficiency

   Symptoms

   General stunting of growth, pale to yellowish coloration of older leaves, starting at the leaf tips and along the midrib.

   Remedy

   Balanced fertilization with nitrogen-containing fertilizers (e.g., horn meal, organic liquid fertilizers).

2. Slugphosphormangel

   Name

   Phosphorus Deficiency

   Symptoms

   Slowed growth, dark, often purplish-red discoloration of leaves and stems (especially in cool temperatures), poor fruit development.

   Remedy

   Fertilization with phosphorus-rich fertilizers (e.g., bone meal, basic slag), improving soil structure.

3. Slugkaliummangel

   Name

   Potassium Deficiency

   Symptoms

   Wilting symptoms at the leaf margins, which later dry out and turn brown (marginal necrosis), reduced disease resistance, poor fruit quality.

   Remedy

   Fertilization with potassium-containing fertilizers (e.g., potassium sulfate, wood ash in moderation).

4. Slugmagnesiummangel

   Name

   Magnesium Deficiency

   Symptoms

   Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between the leaf veins) on older leaves, while the veins remain green. Can lead to premature leaf drop.

   Remedy

   Foliar spray with Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), improving soil composition.

Balanced fertilization, adapted to the growth phase and soil condition, is crucial for preventing nutrient deficiencies.

Watermelon Cultivation Problems

Common problems that can occur during watermelon cultivation and their causes.

1. Slugfruchtfäule

   Name

   Fruit Rot

   Cause

   Waterlogging, contact with moist soil, fungal infections, fruit injury.

   Solution

   Place fruits on straw or mulch, ensure good drainage, remove affected fruits.

2. Slugunreife-früchte

   Name

   Unripe Fruits

   Cause

   Too short growing season, cool weather, insufficient nutrient supply, harvesting too early.

   Solution

   Choose heat-loving varieties, grow in a greenhouse or sheltered locations, ensure adequate fertilization, harvest at the right time.

3. Slugplatzende-früchte

   Name

   Fruit Splitting

   Cause

   Uneven watering (sudden watering after drought), rapid growth phases.

   Solution

   Maintain consistent soil moisture, mulch to regulate moisture, choose appropriate varieties.

4. Slugmangelnde-fruchtbildung

   Name

   Poor Fruit Set

   Cause

   Too low or too high temperatures, insufficient pollination, nutrient imbalance (too much nitrogen), stress.

   Solution

   Ensure optimal temperatures, encourage pollinators (bees), balanced fertilization, minimize stressors.

Many problems can be avoided through good site selection, appropriate care, and choosing suitable varieties.

1. Sucking pests (aphids, spider mites)
2. Chewing pests (beetles, caterpillars)
3. Boring pests (larvae)

1. Fungal diseases (mildew, rot)
2. Bacterial diseases (wilt)

1. Site selection: Sunny, warm, sheltered from wind.
2. Soil preparation: Nutrient-rich, well-draining.
3. Variety selection: Disease-resistant, adapted to climate.
4. Plant spacing: Adequate for air circulation.
5. Watering: Consistent, at the root collar, avoid waterlogging.
6. Fertilization: Balanced, needs-based.
7. Crop rotation: At least 3-4 years break between cucurbits.
8. Hygiene: Remove infected plant parts and fruits.
9. Encouraging beneficials: Create habitats, use beneficial insects.

Accurate diagnosis of problems often requires observing symptoms on leaves, stems, and fruits, as well as considering cultivation conditions. When in doubt, it is advisable to consult specialized literature or experts.

1. Slugechter-mehltau-cucurbitaceen

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Warm temperatures (20-30°C)
   3. Poor air circulation

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Stems
   3. Fruits (rarely)

   Prevention

   1. choose resistant varieties
   2. Ausreichender Pflanzabstand
   3. good ventilation
   4. Fruchtfolge
2. Slugfalscher-mehltau-cucurbitaceen

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Cool, wet weather
   3. Wet leaves overnight

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Young shoots

   Prevention

   1. choose resistant varieties
   2. Gute Luftzirkulation
   3. avoid overhead watering
   4. Fruchtfolge
3. Slugbakterielle-welke-cucurbitaceen

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. High temperatures
   2. Humid weather
   3. Pest infestation (cucumber beetles)

   Affected parts

   1. Vascular system
   2. Stems
   3. Leaves
   4. Fruits (indirectly)

   Prevention

   1. control vectors (cucumber beetles)
   2. Resistente Sorten
   3. Fruchtfolge
   4. Gute Hygiene
4. Slugwurzelfaeule-cucurbitaceen

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Waterlogging
   2. Poor drainage
   3. Cool, wet soils

   Affected parts

   1. Roots
   2. Base of the stem

   Prevention

   1. Gute Bodendrainage
   2. avoid waterlogging
   3. grow on raised beds
   4. Fruchtfolge

1. Symptom

   White, powdery coating on leaves

   Possible causes

   1. echter-mehltau-cucurbitaceen

   First checks

   1. Witterung (warm, feucht)
   2. Luftzirkulation
2. Symptom

   Yellowish spots on leaves, grayish-blue coating on leaf underside

   Possible causes

   1. falscher-mehltau-cucurbitaceen

   First checks

   1. Weather conditions (cool, humid)
   2. leaf wetness overnight
3. Symptom

   Rapid wilting of vines or entire plant, even with moist soil

   Possible causes

   1. bakterielle-welke-cucurbitaceen
   2. wurzelfaeule-cucurbitaceen

   First checks

   1. pest infestation (cucumber beetles)
   2. soil moisture and drainage
   3. cut through the stem (bacterial ooze test)
4. Symptom

   Wilting, stunted growth, mushy roots

   Possible causes

   1. wurzelfaeule-cucurbitaceen

   First checks

   1. soil moisture and drainage
   2. Wurzeluntersuchung

Watermelon Problem Diagnosis

Guide to identifying common watermelon problems based on symptoms.

1. Step1

   Description

   Identify the primary symptom: Wilting, spots, discoloration, pests, rot?

2. Step2

   Description

   Where does the symptom occur? Leaves (top/bottom), stems, fruits, roots?

3. Step3

   Description

   Consider the growing conditions: Temperature, humidity, soil, fertilization, spacing.

4. Step4

   Description

   Look for pests or signs of disease.

5. Step5

   Description

   Compare observations with known symptoms for common problems (refer to 'disease_graph' and 'problems').

1. Scenario

   Plant wilts despite adequately moist soil.

   Possible causes

   1. Bacterial wilt (transmitted by beetles)
   2. Root rot (waterlogging, fungi)
   3. Stem rot

   Recommendations

   Check for pests (cucumber beetles), assess drainage, examine roots and stem base.

2. Scenario

   Leaves show yellowish spots and/or white coating.

   Possible causes

   1. Powdery mildew (white coating)
   2. Downy mildew (yellowish spots, grayish-blue coating on underside)

   Recommendations

   Identify the type of coating and weather conditions for confirmation.

3. Scenario

   Fruits develop cracks or split.

   Possible causes

   1. Uneven watering
   2. Rapid growth phases

   Recommendations

   Ensure consistent soil moisture through regular watering and mulching.

Careful observation and understanding of typical symptoms are crucial for a quick and accurate diagnosis.

1. Germination
2. Growth
3. Flowering
4. Fruit development
5. Ripening

The growing season is long and requires warm temperatures. Development from flowering to ripe fruit takes 40-60 days, depending on the variety.

Single harvest per fruit, multiple fruits per plant over a period of several weeks.

1. The tendril attachment (the point where the fruit hangs from the stem) becomes dry and woody.
2. The underside of the fruit changes color from whitish-green to yellowish.
3. When tapped, the fruit sounds dull and hollow.
4. The rind becomes harder and less susceptible to scratches.

Carefully detach fruits from the stem to avoid injury. Do not wash unless consuming immediately, as this can affect shelf life. Protect from direct sunlight.

Cool and dark

Whole fruits: 2-4 weeks under optimal conditions. Cut fruits: 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

1. Freezing (as puree or pieces)
2. Canning (as jam or chutney, often combined with other fruits)
3. Drying (less common)

1. Flesh
2. Seeds (cooked or roasted)
3. Young leaves and flowers (rarely used)

1. The white layer between the flesh and the hard rind (edible, but often tough and tasteless)

The fruit of Citrullus lanatus is non-toxic and safe for consumption. Some wild forms or unripe fruits may contain bitter compounds.

The flesh is typically consumed raw. Seeds can be eaten raw but are more digestible and palatable after roasting or cooking.

Watermelons are annual herbaceous plants, not woody varieties. Therefore, details regarding woody varieties, rootstocks, pruning, and training systems for woody plants are not applicable.

While watermelons themselves do not directly contribute to local biodiversity, they support pollinator populations through pollination by bees and other insects. However, monoculture cultivation can limit local biodiversity.

In spring, sowing indoors begins. Ensure warm temperatures and sufficient light for young seedlings. From mid-May, after the last frosts, plants can be moved outdoors or into a greenhouse.

Summer is the main growth phase. Regular watering and fertilizing are crucial. Watch out for pests and diseases. Fruits begin to develop and grow.

Autumn is harvest time. Harvest fruits as soon as they are ripe. Protect them from the onset of frost. Unripe fruits can ripen indoors if they are not too large.

In winter, the plant rests. Plan for the next year and prepare the soil. Check seed stocks.