When to Plant Melons? Detailed Guide to Planting Time and Methods

SummaryThe planting time for melons is generally from August to October, no later than November, and spring sowing is in February to March. Planting method: First soak the seeds to promote germination, and when the seedlings grow to the three-leaf heart stage, transplant them. It is better to choose sandy soil with a thick soil layer and fertile, loose texture for planting. In the later stages of planting, carry out pinching and vine training, apply supplementary fertilizer reasonably, water at the right time, hand-pollinate, spread straw and turn the melons, and so on.

I. Planting Time

1. Melons are generally propagated from seed when planted. There are many varieties, and the suitable sowing period is from August to October, no later than November. Spring sowing is generally possible in February to March.

2. In order to ensure a good harvest at Qingming and Guyu, for example, American zucchini, which has a longer growth period, can be sown early, while those with a shorter growth period can be sown a little later, such as Zaoqing zucchini.

II. Growing Environment

1. Light: Melons need sufficient light when grown, with more than 10-12 hours of light per day. If 14-15 hours per day can be maintained, it is even more favorable for their good growth.

2. Temperature: The suitable growing temperature for melons is 18-25°C, and the suitable temperature for flowering and fruiting is 22-25°C. Melons have a broader adaptability than cucumbers and also have relatively strong cold resistance.

3. Soil: The soil conditions suitable for melon growth and development are sandy soil rich in organic matter, fertile, well aerated, and with a deep soil layer. Soil in which the gas phase, liquid phase, and solid phase each account for one third is best.

4. Humidity: Melons are relatively drought-tolerant and not waterlogging-tolerant. Because melon roots are relatively shallow, they have relatively high requirements for soil moisture and relatively low requirements for air humidity. The relative air humidity is best controlled below 50%.

III. Sowing Methods

1. Seed selection: First place the melon seeds to be sown on a clean wooden board or tabletop and select them by hand, removing deformed, insect-damaged, moldy, and broken seeds, and keeping plump and uniformly sized seeds for later use.

2. Sunning the seeds: Place the selected seeds evenly on clean paper or a straw mat, choose sunny weather for drying, and turn them once at intervals so that the seeds can receive sunlight evenly.

3. Disinfection: Put the sun-dried seeds into warm water at 55-60°C and stir continuously in the same direction. After about 20-30 minutes, remove the seeds and drain off the water.

4. Seed soaking: Put the treated seeds into a container, pour in warm water at 25-30°C, and soak for about 5-6 hours. Then pour the seeds into another large container, rub off the mucilage on the seeds, and after rubbing them clean, rinse them clean with clear water.

5. Germination: Shake the soaked seeds hard to remove surface moisture, then wrap them with a damp cotton cloth, place them in a plastic bag, and keep them at room temperature of 25-35°C to germinate. When the radicles of the seeds grow to about 1-2 mm, they can be sown.

6. Raising seedlings: Place every 2 germinated seeds in a nutrient pot containing nutrient soil, then place them in the melon field and cover with film to raise seedlings. When the seeds grow into seedlings, they can be selected, removing the weaker melon seedlings, and then they can be transplanted.

IV. Planting Management

1. Transplanting: The suitable seedling age for melons is 30-35 days. When the seedlings grow to the three-leaf heart stage, they can be transplanted. Their root system has strong absorption capacity, so it is better to choose sandy soil with a thick soil layer and fertile, loose texture. Melons are relatively salt-alkali tolerant, so they can also grow in slightly alkaline soil.

2. Pinching and vine training: Melon fruits mainly grow on secondary vines and tertiary vines, so pinching and vine training must be carried out, which is beneficial for fruiting. Generally, the six-vine style can be used. When the vine has 5-6 leaves, leave 4 leaves and pinch, keep 2 secondary vines, and then each secondary vine keeps 3 tertiary vines.

3. Reasonable supplementary fertilization: After pinching is completed, apply 500 kg of dried human manure and 50-100 kg of cake fertilizer per mu, applying it in a ring 10 cm outside the roots, then cover with soil and apply 100-200 kg of plant ash. After each melon harvest, apply 200-300 kg of diluted manure and about 5 kg of calcium phosphate per mu.

4. Timely watering: During the seedling stage, melons mainly need water control, with appropriate seedling hardening. To prevent excessive growth and fruit abortion, combine promotion and control during the early flowering and fruit-setting stages. To adapt to high temperatures and meet the vigorous growth needs of melon seedlings, irrigation can be strengthened in the middle and later stages, and watering can be stopped at the maturity stage, which helps improve quality.

5. Hand pollination: Melons are monoecious plants with unisexual flowers, and most varieties have both male and female flowers, mainly pollinated by insects. When temperatures are relatively low and there are few insects in early spring, melons grown in greenhouses generally need hand pollination.

6. Spreading straw and turning melons: Melon fruits that touch the ground are easily damaged by the larvae of the yellow squash beetle, leading to decreased quality and reduced yield, so when guiding the vines, straw should be spread under the vines. When the melons grow to half size, they should be turned appropriately, which is more helpful for avoiding pests and can also promote melon coloring and consistent flavor.