When is the ripening season for watermelons?

Early-maturing watermelons are sown from mid-December of the previous year to late March; it takes 90 days from sowing to harvest, and they ripen from March to June. Mid-maturing watermelons are sown from April to June; it takes 90-100 days from sowing to harvest, and they ripen from July to September. Late-autumn watermelons are sown in mid-to-late July; it takes 100-120 days from sowing to harvest, and they ripen in October.

Early-maturing varieties take 90 days from sowing to harvest; the fruit ripens quickly, taking 25-30 days from female flower opening to maturity. The plants are small and suitable for dense planting. Excellent varieties include Jingxin, Zhengza, Zaohua and other small-fruited types.

Mid-maturing varieties take 90-100 days from sowing to harvest in the north; the fruit ripens a little later, taking 30-40 days from female flower opening to maturity. The plants are larger and grow vigorously. These varieties have large fruit and thick rind, and tolerate transport and storage relatively well, such as Xinong R and others.

Late-maturing varieties take 100-120 days from sowing to harvest in the north; they are less commonly grown, have large fruit and keep well in storage.