For those of you that have grown watermelons... please help?

[larps1234]

i have a Charleston Gray watermelon plant that has female flowers on it that should open in 1-3 days. i just had three questions. the whole plant is one foot long and i have eight of them in a Topsy Turvy Tree tomato planter, they are getting plenty of food an water.

1. when the flowers get pollinated and start growing, can i cut the vine right after the fruit so the plant does not grow to big? i like the fact that they are a foot long!

2. i cant find the answer on the Internet anywhere! how long does it take for a watermelon to ripen after pollination, NOT after planting? lol!

3. how long does the female flower live for? the males only live for one day and its frustrating.
thanks for any answers to three questions!
John

 

[Brookhavens]

http://www.almanac.com/plant/watermelon

 

[larps1234]

Good sight but does not answer any of my questions.

 

[erinszoo]

Do NOT cut the vine directly after the fruit set. It will produce small bland fruit if you do. Ripening time depends on how much heat they get so that will depend on where you are. Usually the flowers last a couple of days unless they are pollinated first. As with everything else in gardening so much depends on circumstances and environment.

 

[wyoDreamer]

Do you have a plan on how to support a watermelon as it is growing on the vine in a topsy turvey planter.
I am trying watermelon on a trellis and will be making watermelon hammocks to support the growing fruit - if it produces any that is.

 

[larps1234]

I am going to put the fruit on top of somthing to support the growing melon without any tension on the vine! An thank you erinszoo for you comment! I will cut the vine a week after the fruits set.

 

[larps1234]

I am going to put the fruit on top of somthing to support the growing melon without any tension on the vine! An thank you erinszoo for you comment! I will cut the vine a week after the fruits set.