Harvest Watermelon – How To Know When Watermelons Are Ready To Pick?

You’ve nurtured your watermelon plants, watched the vines spread, and seen the fruits begin to swell. It’s an exciting time! But then comes the big question: how to know when watermelons are ready to pick? Harvesting at the perfect moment is absolutely key. Pick too early, and you get a bland, disappointing melon. Wait too long, and it might be overripe and mushy. Getting this right is your sweet reward for all that hard work!

Knowing the signs of a ripe watermelon is a skill every farmer and gardener needs. It’s not always as simple as looking at the size. In fact, size can be pretty deceiving! We need to look for a combination of clues the plant gives us. This guide will walk you through the most reliable indicators so you can harvest watermelon at peak sweetness and flavor. If you’re just starting out and need to know how to get your plants in the ground, check out our guide on how to plant watermelon in Nigeria.

Why Knowing When to Harvest is Key

There’s nothing quite like cutting into a perfectly ripe, juicy watermelon you grew yourself! It’s the culmination of your efforts.

Why harvesting at the right time is crucial for taste and quality

Watermelons don’t get significantly sweeter after they’re picked. The sugars are developed while the fruit is still on the vine. Harvesting too early means you’re locking in whatever low sugar level it had at that moment. A melon picked at peak ripeness will be bursting with flavor and have that ideal crisp-yet-tender texture.

The journey from seed to sweet fruit

Remember, all the steps you took earlier matter! The right best soil for watermelon (which type of soil is best for watermelon), planting at the best time to plant watermelon), and choosing the right what are the varieties of watermelon in Nigeria) all contribute to the plant’s ability to produce ripe, sweet fruit. Good fertilization (watermelon fertilizer guide-what fertilizer is best for watermelons) also plays a huge role in sweetness and size.

Estimating Watermelon Maturity Time

Understanding the typical growth time gives you a window to start looking for ripeness signs.

Understanding watermelon maturity time

From the day you plant the seed or transplant a seedling (learn how here: how to plant watermelon in Nigeria), watermelons go through stages: germination, vine growth, flowering, fruit set, and finally, fruit development and ripening. This whole process takes time!

Checking days to maturity on your seed packet

Your seed packet is your first clue! It will usually tell you the estimated “days to maturity” for that specific variety.

• Seed packet information as a starting point: This number (e.g., 75 days, 90 days) is the average time from planting to the first ripe fruit under ideal conditions.
• Typical maturity ranges: Most watermelon varieties mature within 70 to 100 days. Early varieties are closer to 70-80 days, while later varieties can take 90-100 days or even a bit more. The variety you choose (what are the varieties of watermelon in Nigeria) significantly impacts this.

Factors affecting watermelon growth time

Keep in mind that the “days to maturity” is just an estimate. Several things can speed up or slow down ripening:

• Climate (Heat, sunlight): Watermelons love heat and lots of sun. Warmer temperatures and plenty of sunlight speed up ripening. Cooler weather slows it down. This is why planting at the best time to plant watermelon is so important.
• Consistent watering: Steady moisture helps the plant grow and develop fruit efficiently. Drought stress slows things down.
• Proper fertilization: Adequate nutrients fuel growth. Lack of nutrients can delay maturity. Get the details in our watermelon fertilizer guide-what fertilizer is best for watermelons.
• Variety planted: Some varieties are naturally earlier or later than others. You can explore options in what are the varieties of watermelon in Nigeria.

So, use the seed packet as a guide, but start checking for ripeness signs as you approach that timeframe.

The Tell-Tale Signs: How to Know When Watermelons Are Ready to Pick?

Alright, let’s get to the detective work! These are the signs you need to look for to know how to tell if a watermelon is ripe. Using several of these together gives you the most confidence. For more insights from agricultural experts, check out resources like this guide from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension or Clemson University Extension.

The Trusty Tendril Test: A Reliable Sign

This is often considered one of the most reliable indicators.

• Locating the tendril closest to where the fruit attaches to the vine: Look at the curly little vine (tendril) on the main stem closest to where the watermelon fruit is attached. There’s usually one right at that junction.
• What a green/growing tendril means (still ripening): If this tendril is still green and curly, the melon is likely still actively growing and not yet ripe.
• What a dried and brown tendril means (often ready): When this specific tendril dries up and turns brown and brittle, it’s a strong indication that the melon is mature. The plant is signaling it’s done sending nutrients to that fruit. Purdue University Extension and UGA Extension also highlight the tendril test as a key sign.
• Note variability by variety: Just a heads-up, some varieties might have tendrils that don’t completely dry down, or there might be multiple tendrils. Focus on the one closest to the fruit stem junction. This is a key watermelon ripeness test.

Checking the Ground Spot: From White to Yellow

This is another excellent indicator, easy to see!

• Locating the patch where the melon rests on the ground (field spot, belly spot): Find the area on the underside of the watermelon that has been touching the soil.
• What a white or pale yellow spot means (not ready): If this spot is still white or a very pale yellow, the melon is not ripe. It hasn’t spent enough time maturing on the vine.
• What a creamy yellow, buttery yellow, or orange spot means (ripe): When this spot turns a distinct creamy yellow, buttery yellow, or even a yellowish-orange, the melon is usually ripe. This color change shows it’s been sitting and maturing. This is a classic watermelon field spot color test, widely recommended by experts like those at Kansas State University Extension and MSU Extension.

The Thump Test: Listening for Ripeness (and its limitations)

Ah, the famous thump test! It’s traditional, but takes practice.

• How to perform the thump test (gentle tapping): Gently tap the watermelon with your knuckles.
• What a hollow or dull sound suggests (ripe): A ripe watermelon is said to make a hollow, dull, or deep sound. Some describe it as a “thud.”
• What a metallic or ringing sound suggests (unripe): An unripe watermelon often makes a higher-pitched, more metallic, or ringing sound.
• Acknowledging subjectivity and variability by variety – use as a confirming sign: This test is subjective! What sounds “hollow” to one person might sound different to another. Different varieties also make different sounds even when ripe. Use the thump test watermelon as a confirming sign alongside other indicators, rather than relying on it alone. Many experts, like those cited by Utopia.org and FruitsandVeggies.org, note the thump test can be unreliable on its own.

Assessing the Rind: Sheen, Color, and Texture Changes

The outside of the melon can tell you a lot too.

• From glossy to dull rind sheen as it ripens: Unripe watermelons often have a shiny, glossy rind. As they ripen, the rind tends to become duller or more matte. This is mentioned by Iowa State University Extension.
• Color changes (stripes becoming more distinct, overall color deepening or changing): For striped varieties, the contrast between the stripes often becomes more pronounced. For solid varieties, the deep green might lighten slightly or take on a different tone.
• Rind becoming tougher/harder to dent with a fingernail: Try gently pressing your fingernail into the rind. On an unripe melon, it might easily pierce the skin. On a ripe one, the rind is much harder and more resistant.
• Veins or ridges becoming more prominent: On some varieties, the raised veins or netting on the rind become more noticeable as the melon matures.

Considering Size and Weight: Heavy is Good

Size isn’t the best indicator on its own, but weight is!

• Ripe melons feel heavy for their size due to high water content: Pick up the watermelon. A ripe one will feel surprisingly heavy for its size. This is because it’s full of water and sugars. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension confirms that heavier melons are often juicier.
• Size alone is NOT a reliable indicator (depends on variety and growing conditions): Don’t assume a large melon is ripe. It might just be a large, unripe one! Always use other signs.

Checking the Spoon Leaf and Stem Connection

Look closely at where the melon connects to the vine.

• Checking the spoon leaf and stem connection: Locate the small leaf (sometimes called a spoon leaf because of its shape) right near the tendril and where the stem attaches to the melon.
• Observing the spoon leaf and stem connection: In some varieties, this spoon leaf will also start to dry and wither when the melon is ripe, similar to the tendril. Also, look at the stem itself right where it joins the fruit. It might show small cracks or start to look less turgid, though the main vine might still be green.

The Aroma Test: Sniffing Out Sweetness

Sometimes, your nose knows!

• The Aroma Test: Sniffing Out Sweetness: A ripe watermelon may develop a sweet, distinct watermelon fragrance, especially near the ground spot.
• Can also attract pests: Be aware that this sweet smell can also attract insects.

Avoiding Harvest Mistakes

It’s tempting to harvest when the melon looks big, but patience is a virtue!

What happens if you pick a watermelon too early?

Picking too soon is a real bummer. What happens if you pick a watermelon too early? You miss out on the best part!

The Downside of Harvesting Underripe Melons:

• Lack of sweetness and flavor: The most obvious downside. Underripe watermelons are watery and lack that characteristic sweet taste.
• Pale flesh color: The flesh inside will be pale pink or even white, not the deep red you expect.
• Hard or mealy texture: The texture can be hard, crunchy, or even slightly mealy, not juicy and crisp.

Watermelons do NOT continue to ripen significantly after being picked (unlike some fruits):

This is crucial! Unlike bananas or tomatoes, watermelons don’t develop much more sugar off the vine. What you pick is pretty much what you get in terms of sweetness. This fact is reinforced by multiple sources, including MSU Extension and University of Maryland Extension.

What does a watermelon look like when it’s not ripe?

Knowing the signs of an unripe melon helps you avoid picking too soon. What does a watermelon look like when it’s not ripe?

• Green and turgid (plump) tendril closest to the fruit.
• White or very pale ground spot.
• Shiny, glossy rind.
• Metallic or ringing sound when thumped.
• Feels lighter than expected for its size.
• Stem attachment looks fresh and green.

These are all unripe watermelon signs.

Risks of over-ripening

On the flip side, is it possible to wait too long? Can you leave watermelons on the vine too long? Yes, you can! Overripe watermelons aren’t ideal either.

• Flesh becomes mushy or mealy: The crisp texture breaks down, becoming soft and unpleasant.
• Flavor can turn bland or even off: The sweetness might peak and then start to decline, or the flavor can just become watery and uninteresting.
• Can split or crack on the vine: Excessive water uptake after ripening can cause the rind to split.
• May attract pests or rot: Overripe fruit is more attractive to insects and more susceptible to rot, especially in humid conditions.

Ready to Harvest? Cutting Your Watermelon

So, you’ve been checking the signs. You’re confident it’s time!

How do I know when to cut a watermelon?

It’s about confirming your suspicions! The best approach is to use several indicators together.

• Confirming Multiple Ripeness Signs: The most reliable approach is using 2-3 indicators together (e.g., dry tendril + yellow spot + dull rind).
• Start checking consistently as the estimated maturity date approaches. Don’t wait until the last day! Check every day or two when you think they’re getting close.

The right way to harvest watermelon

Once you’re confident it’s ripe, it’s time to harvest!

1. Use a sharp knife or shears to cut the stem.
2. Leave a few inches of stem attached to the melon (helps with storage and reduces the risk of rot at the stem end). Iowa State University Extension recommends leaving about 2 inches of stem.
3. Do NOT pull or twist the melon off the vine – this can damage the vine (which might still be producing other melons) or the fruit itself.

Post-Harvest Watermelon Storage

You’ve successfully picked a ripe one! Now what?

Brief tips on storing harvested watermelons

Store uncut, ripe watermelons at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, they do best in a cooler environment, like a refrigerator (if space allows) or a cool cellar, ideally around 50-60°F (10-15°C). Leaving a bit of stem attached helps seal the end, reducing moisture loss and preventing diseases from entering the fruit during storage. Once cut, always store watermelon in the refrigerator. UC Davis Postharvest Center provides detailed storage temperature recommendations.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Perfectly Harvested Watermelon

Knowing how to know when watermelons are ready to pick is a skill that improves with practice. Pay attention to the plant’s signals: the drying tendril, the changing ground spot color, the dulling rind, and the feel of the melon.

Trust your judgment, use a combination of these watermelon picking signs, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the sweet, juicy reward of a perfectly harvested watermelon! Happy harvesting!

FAQs: Your Watermelon Harvest Questions Answered

Here are some common questions about harvesting watermelons: