Watermelons are a delicious summer fruit that many home gardeners enjoy growing. A common question when planting watermelons is “How many watermelons will I get from each plant?” The number of watermelons per plant can vary quite a bit depending on the watermelon variety, growing conditions, and care of the plants.
Typical Yield Per Plant
On average, a healthy watermelon plant will produce 2-4 mature watermelons per plant. However, this number is just a general guideline. With optimum growing conditions and proper care, some watermelon plants can produce 6 or more melons per plant. Much will depend on the variety, soil quality, sunlight, watering, and using fertilizers or compost.
Factors That Affect Watermelon Yield
There are several key factors that can affect the number of watermelons you harvest from each plant:
- Watermelon variety – Some varieties are bred to be more productive than others.
- Growing conditions – Soil quality, sunlight, heat, and water availability affect yields.
- Plant spacing – Proper spacing improves air circulation and sun exposure.
- Pollination – Watermelons must be pollinated to produce fruit.
- Pest management – Controlling pests protects developing watermelons.
- Weeding – Reduces competition for water and nutrients.
- Fertilization – Provides nutrients for plant growth and fruit production.
By optimizing these factors, you can maximize the number of watermelons your plants produce.
Watermelon Varieties and Productivity
One of the biggest factors determining watermelon yield per plant is choosing a productive variety. Watermelon varieties differ considerably in their yields. Some tips when selecting varieties:
- Look for “high yielding” or “productive” in variety descriptions.
- Smaller icebox types produce less per plant than full-sized melons.
- Seedless varieties typically produce fewer melons than seeded.
- Disease-resistant varieties yield better than susceptible ones.
- Ask gardening neighbors what varieties have produced well for them.
Here are some examples of high-yielding watermelon varieties to consider:
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Crimson Sweet | Large oblong melons, up to 25 lbs. Thrives in cool climates. |
| Black Diamond | Dark green rounded fruit, up to 20 lbs. Tolerates cooler soils. |
| Jubilee | Sweet, red-fleshed melons, around 10-15 lbs. Reliably productive. |
| Sugar Baby | 6-10 lb icebox melons. Prolific yielder. |
Importance of Good Growing Conditions
While variety plays a big role, creating optimal growing conditions is also key to maximizing watermelon yields. Watermelons thrive with:
- Soil – Watermelons prefer sandy, loamy soils with good drainage and nutrient content.
- Sun – Full sun is ideal. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
- Heat – Warm soil and air temperatures above 70°F (21°C).
- Water – Consistent moisture during growth and fruiting is vital.
- Low competition – Avoid weed problems competing for resources.
- Nutrition – Fertilizers or compost provide needed nutrients.
Pay close attention to soil preparation, sun exposure, irrigation, and fertilization when growing watermelons. This will allow each plant to reach its full genetic potential in terms of yield.
Provide Proper Plant Spacing
Allowing adequate space between watermelon plants is crucial to maximize the number of melons produced. When plants are crowded, they compete for sunlight, water, and soil nutrients. This stresses the plants and reduces yields.
Different watermelon varieties require different spacing. Check seed packet recommendations. But general guidelines are:
- Full-size melons – At least 4-6 ft between plants.
- Icebox melons – 2-4 ft between plants.
- Row spacing – 5-8 feet between rows.
For example, planting full-size watermelon varieties in rows 8 feet apart, with plants spaced 5 feet apart in the row, allows plenty of room for lush vine growth and higher yields.
Ensure Adequate Pollination
For watermelons to develop, they must be pollinated by bees or other pollinators. Lack of pollination leads to small yields. To improve pollination:
- Plant flowering companion plants like marigolds to attract pollinators.
- Avoid using insecticides during flowering period.
- Gently shake vines in the early morning to spread pollen.
- Consider hand pollinating with a paintbrush if needed.
Having a healthy pollinator population helps ensure thorough pollination and higher fruit set on watermelon plants.
Control Pests and Diseases
Watermelons are susceptible to several insect pests and diseases that can greatly reduce yields if not properly managed. Common problems include:
- Cucumber beetles – Feed on vines.
- Squash bugs – Suck plant juices.
- Fungal diseases – Cause foliage/fruit rot.
- Bacterial wilt – Clogs water-conducting tissues.
- Viruses – Cause stunted growth and poor yield.
Use row covers, appropriate fungicides/insecticides, and resistant varieties when possible to limit pest damage. Scout regularly for problems.
Weed Control is Vital
Weeds compete heavily with watermelon plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. This stresses plants and causes poor growth and reduced yields. Consistent weeding is essential for productive watermelon plants. Options include:
- Plastic mulch – Blocks weeds and retains moisture.
- Landscape fabric – Also suppresses weeds.
- Organic mulches – Like straw or wood chips.
- Cultivation – Shallow hoeing avoids damaging roots.
- Herbicides – As a last resort if needed.
Keeping gardens weed-free helps watermelon plants grow vigorously and produce to their full potential.
Provide Regular Fertilization
Watermelons are heavy feeders that need consistent nutrients over their long growing season. Applying fertilizer provides nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other elements vital for plant growth and fruit production.
Options for fertilizing watermelons include:
- Compost/manure before planting.
- Side-dressing with a balanced fertilizer monthly.
- Liquid feeds like fish emulsion or compost tea.
- Slow-release granular fertilizers worked into soil.
- Mulching with grass clippings for nitrogen.
Avoid over-fertilizing which causes excess foliage instead of fruits. Have soil tested to determine specific nutritional needs.
Provide Consistent Moisture
Watermelons require consistent moisture for proper growth and fruit production. Depending on rainfall, supplemental irrigation is often necessary. Ideal practices include:
- 1-2 inches of water per week. More when hot and dry.
- Drip irrigation or soaker hoses conserve water.
- Avoid water stress during flowering and fruiting.
- Use mulch to retain soil moisture.
- Check soil moisture regularly to determine needs.
Watermelons with inadequate moisture will produce poorly. Proper irrigation is key for a robust harvest from each plant.
Conclusion
A single watermelon plant can reliably produce 2-4 melons on average with proper variety selection, growing conditions, plant care, and harvest timing. Some varieties and optimized growing practices can yield 6 or more melons per plant. The keys are choosing a high-yielding variety suited to your climate, providing good soil and sun exposure, managing pests and weeds, fertilizing regularly, consistent moisture, and allowing enough space between plants. With excellent care throughout the season, you can maximize the harvest from each watermelon plant.
