Skip to main content

Welcome to the world of watermelon cultivation in Arkansas! If you’re a gardening enthusiast or a farmer looking to grow this juicy and refreshing fruit, you’ve come to the right place. Arkansas, with its warm and humid climate, provides an ideal environment for watermelon production. However, timing is crucial when it comes to planting watermelon to ensure a successful harvest. In this article, we will explore the best times to plant watermelon in Arkansas, taking into consideration the region’s climate, soil conditions, and other important factors.

Whether you’re a seasoned watermelon grower or a beginner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to maximize your yield and enjoy the sweet rewards of growing watermelon in the Natural State.

Best varieties of watermelon to grow in Arkansas

In Arkansas, there are several watermelon varieties that tend to grow well due to the state’s warm climate. Here are a few recommended varieties:

  1. Crimson Sweet: This is a popular variety known for its sweet, juicy flesh and high sugar content. It has a dark green rind with lighter green stripes and can grow to be around 20-25 pounds.
  2. Sugar Baby: This is a smaller variety that is perfect for smaller gardens or containers. It has a compact vine and produces small, round watermelons weighing around 8-10 pounds. The flesh is deep red and very sweet.
  3. Charleston Gray: This variety is known for its large, oblong-shaped watermelons that can reach up to 30-40 pounds. It has a thick, light green rind with sweet, red flesh. Charleston Gray is also resistant to diseases and pests.
  4. Jubilee: This variety produces large, oval-shaped watermelons with a striped green rind. It can grow to be around 25-30 pounds and has sweet, crisp flesh. Jubilee is also known for its excellent disease resistance.
  5. Black Diamond: This variety is favored for its large, round watermelons with a dark green rind. It can grow to be around 30-40 pounds and has sweet, juicy flesh. Black Diamond is known for its high yield and disease resistance.

Remember to consider factors such as your specific location, soil conditions, and personal preferences when selecting watermelon varieties for your garden in Arkansas.

When to plant watermelon in Arkansas

The best time to plant watermelon in Arkansas is typically in late spring or early summer, when the soil temperature has warmed up to around 70°F (21°C) and there is no longer a risk of frost. This is usually around mid to late May. Watermelons require warm soil and temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C) for optimal growth. It is important to check the local weather conditions and frost dates to ensure the safety of your watermelon plants.

How to grow watermelon

Growing watermelon requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are the steps and considerations to keep in mind:

  1. Climate and Location: Watermelons thrive in warm climates with a long growing season. Choose a location that receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.
  2. Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by removing any weeds, rocks, or debris. Till the soil to a depth of 12-18 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
  3. Seed Selection: Choose watermelon varieties that are suitable for your climate and growing conditions. Consider factors like disease resistance, days to maturity, and fruit size.
  4. Planting: Watermelons are typically grown from seeds, either directly sown in the garden or started indoors and transplanted later. Sow the seeds 1 inch deep and space them 2-3 feet apart in rows that are 6-8 feet apart. If transplanting, start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
  5. Watering: Watermelons require consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Water deeply, providing 1-2 inches of water per week. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to disease issues. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases.
  6. Fertilization: Watermelons are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer before planting and side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer once the plants start to vine. Follow the recommended rates on the fertilizer package.
  7. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Straw, hay, or wood chips work well as mulch.
  8. Trellising and Support: Some watermelon varieties can be trellised or supported to save space and improve air circulation. Use trellises or stakes to support the vines and fruits.
  9. Pollination: Watermelons require pollination for fruit set. Bees and other pollinators are essential for this process. Avoid using pesticides that can harm pollinators.
  10. Pest and Disease Control: Monitor your plants regularly for pests like aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. Use organic pest control methods like handpicking, insecticidal soaps, or neem oil if necessary. Prevent diseases by providing good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and practicing crop rotation.
  11. Harvesting: Watermelons are ready for harvest when the fruit has reached full size, the skin color dulls, and the underside turns yellow. The tendril closest to the fruit should also be brown and dry. Harvest by cutting the fruit from the vine, leaving a short stem attached.

By following these steps and considerations, you can successfully grow watermelons and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

When to harvest watermelon in Arkansas

Watermelon is typically harvested in Arkansas from late June to early August. The exact timing of harvest can vary depending on the specific variety of watermelon being grown and the growing conditions in a particular year. However, a general guideline is to look for the following signs to determine if a watermelon is ready for harvest:

  1. Check the color: The skin of a ripe watermelon should have a deep, uniform color. For most varieties, this is a dark green or black color. Avoid watermelons with a pale or light green skin.
  2. Look for a dull skin: Ripe watermelons have a dull skin, rather than a shiny or glossy appearance. This is an indication that the fruit is mature and ready to be harvested.
  3. Tap the watermelon: Gently tap the watermelon with your knuckles. A ripe watermelon will produce a deep, hollow sound. If the sound is dull or thud-like, the watermelon may not be fully ripe.
  4. Check the tendril: On the stem where the watermelon is attached to the vine, there is a tendril or curly cue. When the tendril turns brown and dries up, it is a sign that the watermelon is ripe and ready to be harvested.
  5. Assess the size and weight: Ripe watermelons are usually larger and heavier than unripe ones. However, this can vary depending on the variety. Use your judgment and compare the watermelon’s size and weight to others of the same variety.

Remember, it’s important not to harvest watermelons too early as they will not have reached their full sweetness and flavor. On the other hand, waiting too long can result in overripe watermelons that may be mushy or have a mealy texture.

Common watermelon plant problems and fixes

Common problems when growing watermelon include:

  1. Poor pollination: Watermelon plants require proper pollination to produce fruit. If there is a lack of bees or other pollinators in your area, you may need to hand-pollinate the flowers. Use a small brush or cotton swab to transfer pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers.
  2. Blossom end rot: This is a condition where the bottom end of the fruit turns black and rots. It is caused by a calcium deficiency or inconsistent watering. To prevent blossom end rot, ensure the soil is well-drained and consistently moist. Adding calcium-rich amendments, such as crushed eggshells or agricultural lime, to the soil can also help.
  3. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent it, ensure good air circulation around the plants by spacing them adequately. Avoid overhead watering and instead water at the base of the plants. If powdery mildew appears, treat it with a fungicide specifically labeled for powdery mildew.
  4. Pests: Common pests that can affect watermelon plants include aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests and take appropriate measures to control them. This can include using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings.
  5. Fruit cracking: Watermelon fruit can crack if there is rapid fluctuation in soil moisture levels. To prevent cracking, ensure consistent watering and avoid overwatering or allowing the soil to dry out completely. Mulching around the plants can help maintain soil moisture levels.
  6. Lack of sweetness: If your watermelon fruits are not as sweet as expected, it could be due to insufficient sunlight, inadequate fertilization, or harvesting too early. Ensure your plants receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, provide regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer, and wait until the fruits reach full maturity before harvesting.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to common problems in watermelon cultivation. Providing optimal growing conditions, regular monitoring, and timely intervention can help ensure a successful harvest.