It's finally that time when you are eager to harvest your watermelon. But, there's a problem. You are unaware if it's the perfect time to pick the watermelon. This is because its flavor largely depends on the production and storage conditions. For this reason, you need to harvest the fruits when they are mature and ripe, not before. Since the ripeness is hidden under the outer skin, it might be hard to know when the fruits are ready to pick. You can only be sure of the fruit quality and ripeness by cracking it open. But, when you do this, the fruit is no longer sellable. We have compiled important tips to help you understand when a watermelon is ripe and ready for harvest. Keep reading to find out how!

  • Tips for Finding Out if a Watermelon Is Ripe

People tell if a melon is ripe using different methods, such as finding if it sounds hollow when thumped, has a yellow color in the area where it lies on the ground, or has a curly tendril color. Here are different methods that you can use to determine if the watermelon is ripe.

  • Watch the Calendar

Check out the days of maturity (DTM) for the variety in which you are growing. Make sure you understand the difference between direct seeding and transplanting. This is because, in most varieties, the DTM indicates days from transplanting. The DTM will be accurate if:

  • Follow good cultural practices
  • Plant in loose, fertile, well-drained soils
  • Mulch your plants
  • Apply good production practices
  • Keep your garden weed-free
  • Control pests and diseases on time
    • Listen to the Sound

Knock! Knock! This might be a pretty challenging tip for new farmers. But, you can thump the watermelon and examine the sound made.

Over and under-ripe watermelon produces a thud.

Ripe fruits produce a hollow sound.

The sound made may vary depending on the size and variety. But knock yourself out. Besides, this tip is also applicable when buying watermelons from your local supplier or farmer's market. However, this will not tell you if the fruit is sweet or delicious.

  • Look at the Curly Tendril

If the fruit was grown well and has reached optimum maturity, its tip will also give you a clue about the ripeness. Assess the color of the curly tendril near the top. The watermelon is still ripening if it's still green. If it drys out or turns brown, your fruit may be ripe or over-ripe.

  • Check the Shape and Skin

Due to exposure to sunlight for extended periods, the rind on the top may appear faded. The fruit quality may be relatively lower and taste inconsistent if the watermelon is irregular and lumpy. This is because it might have received inconsistent amounts of water and sunshine. Also, the skin should not be shiny but dull. A duller look shows that the fruit has had enough time to ripen.

  • Choose Varieties That Ripen Together

If you are a commercial grower, you need varieties that mature and ripen together. This way, you can calculate the days of maturity and harvest your fruits at once. By following the tips above, figuring out if a watermelon is ripe is pretty simple.