Watermelon – Fruit garden

The watermelon is a large fruit, known scientifically as Citrullus lanatus.It originates from southern Africa, and is related to cantaloupe melons, zucchinis, pumpkins and cucumbers. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is packed with water and nutrients, contains very few calories and is exceptionally refreshing and juicy. It is also a good dietary source of both citrulline and lycopene, two very powerful plant compounds. Eating watermelon or drinking watermelon juice may have several health benefits, including lower blood pressure, improved insulin sensitivity and reduced muscle soreness. While watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) are most commonly eaten fresh, they can also be made into juice or added to smoothies.

Scientific Name: Citrullus lanatus

Common Name: watermelon

How to grow and maintain watermelon:

Climate:
The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is delicate to ice and requires a long developing season with moderately high temperatures. Daytime temperatures in the vicinity of 70 and 80 degrees F and evening time temperatures in the vicinity of 65 and 70 degrees F are perfect. Watermelons develop well in both sticky and semi-bone-dry regions, yet foliar ailments are less dangerous in drier atmospheres.

Planting:
Begin planting melons (Citrullus lanatus) when all threat of ice is past. In the event that your climate is saturated in the spring you can begin the seeds inside in individual holders two or three weeks before you need to plant them out entryways. Plant began seeds outside when the primary genuine leaves seem to decrease transplant stun.

Watering:
Water your plant only when necessary, such as during a prolonged dry spell.

Fertilization:
Home plant specialists some of the time ask why the most punctual melon (Citrullus lanatus) blooms don’t set natural product. The main blooms creating on the vines are male or dust bearing blossoms. Just the female, or pistillate, blossoms are equipped for forming into natural product. Bumble bees are the best pollinators of watermelon blooms. Each exertion ought to be made to secure the honey bees amid the blooming time frame to guarantee top notch natural product.

Harvest:
Harvest your melons after 75 to 100 days. Signs of ripeness include yellowing on the underside, a dulling of the overall color, resistance to thumbnails on the rind, and browning of the stems near the fruit.

Pests and diseases:
Cucumber beetles and vine borers are the worst watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) pests. Apply an insecticide such as Sevin or use Bacillus thuringensis for organic control. Floating row covers work, too, but they should be removed when watermelon plants start to bloom, at which time pollinating insects must be allowed to reach the flowers.