Citrullus lanatus
Watermelon
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Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) - Description
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.), family Cucurbitaceae) is a vine-like (scrambler and trailer) flowering plant originally from southern Africa. Its fruit, which is also called watermelon, is a special kind referred to by botanists as a pepo, a berry which has a thick rind (exocarp) and fleshy center (mesocarp and endocarp). Pepos are derived from an inferior ovary, and are characteristic of the Cucurbitaceae.
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) - Growth
Watermelons thrive in heat and full sun. The stems produce tendrils that the plant will use to cling to various objects as it grows up and over anything in its path.
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) - Planting
Sow seeds 2 weeks after the last threat of frost has occurred in early spring, or sow the seeds indoors 1 month before the last frost date. The seeds will not germinate unless there is a little warmth. The soil temperature should be above 70F. Provide plenty of space for the vines to spread.
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) - Pest
Weeds can take away from fruit production. Remove weeds by hand when the watermelons are young and cannot yet shade out the weeds with their large leaves. Prone to aphids, powdery mildew and cucumber beetles.
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) - Interesting facts
Watermelons are originally from South Africa. These herbaceous vine-like climbers can grow rather large. The fruits themselves are among the largest in the world as they become engorged with water and sugars. The name of the genus, Citrullus, is derived from the fact that the amino acid, citrulline, was first isolated from a watermelon. The fruits are 92% water and have a relatively high concentration of lycopene.
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) - Soil and irrigation
As their common names suggest, watermelons need plenty of water. Provide regular water during the growing season. Be sure to provide more water as necessary if it is particularly warm or windy.
