Harvesting and storing watermelons

Watermelon is a popular melon that can be grown in any garden, as long as you have adequate space and sunlight. One tricky aspect of growing watermelons is knowing when the mature melons are ripe. From The Spruce and I, come some useful advice on this topic. 

First of all, it’s important to pick watermelons at the peak of their ripeness because, like other melons, they will not ripen off the vine. Following are some telltale signs which suggest that your melon is ripe and ready to harvest.

The Stem Is Mostly Brown

If the watermelon stem has turned brown or is more brown than green in color, this is a sign of ripeness. This indicates energy from the vine has gone into the melon.

Dried Out Tendrils

The tendril is the curly section of the stem opposite where the watermelon is attached to the vine. Once the tendril turns brown and dry, the watermelon is ready to harvest.

The Ground Spot Is Yellow

The ground spot (also sometimes called the “field spot” or the “belly spot”) is usually a small round area on the bottom of the watermelon where it has been lying in contact with the ground. Once this spot turns a creamy yellow, it’s a sign the melon has ripened.

If the ground spot is light green or white, that means it hasn’t quite ripened yet and is not ready to be picked. If your watermelon doesn’t have a ground spot, as with miniature watermelons that are grown vertically on a fence or trellis, use some of the other signs offered here to determine its ripeness. 

Smooth But Dull Skin Surface

The surface of the watermelon skin should be dull and not shiny. A shiny rind or skin indicates that the melon is still too immature to be harvested. 

A Dull Hollow Sound

Some people suggest that you can thump on the side of the melon to determine its ripeness. This may not be the most scientific method and requires a pretty good ear, but there’s some truth to this method. A ripe watermelon will have a dull hollow sound. An immature watermelon will have a higher-pitched ping sound.

How to Harvest

When you’ve determined your watermelon is ripe, follow these techniques to harvest and store it properly.

1. Cut It Off

Cut the melon’s stem from the vine with a sharp knife. It may not pull loose on its own.

2. Clean It Down

Gently clean the melon with a soft cloth and mild soapy water and rinse thoroughly. This is to remove any potentially harmful bacteria that might be in the soil or left behind by garden wildlife and that might transfer from the skin into the fruit when you carve into it.

3. Store Properly

If possible, store your watermelon at a temperature of between 50-60F. If stored at temperatures above 75F, the shelf life is only about five days. It’s best to eat your watermelon as soon as possible after picking it. If you have any leftover cut portions, place them in the refrigerator in a tightly enclosed container to preserve freshness.   

I hope these tips will aid you in enjoying to the fullest your home grown or store bought watermelons. 

Tim Lewis is a Georgia Green Industry Association Certified Plant Professional, gardening writer, former Perry High School horticulture instructor, and former horticulturalist at Henderson Village and Houston Springs. He and his wife, Susan, own and operate Lewis Farms Nursery located on Hwy 26 two miles east of Elko, where he was born and raised. He can be reached at (478) 954-1507 and timlewis1@windstream.net.