Grow Watermelon in Pakistan: Moji Mall Guide
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Growing watermelon (تربوز) at home is exciting and rewarding. With enough sun, warmth, and space, you can enjoy juicy, sweet tarbooz straight from your own garden. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to grow watermelons successfully in Pakistan’s climate.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Sowing Time | February to April |
| Ideal Temperature | 24°C to 32°C |
| Germination Time | 5–10 days |
| Transplant Time | 2–3 weeks after sowing |
| Spacing | 3–5 feet between plants |
| Harvest Time | 80–100 days after sowing |
Step 1: Sow Seeds 🌱
When to Sow:
- Sow seeds from February to April, when the weather is warm and stable.
- Ideal soil temperature for germination is 24°C to 32°C.
- Avoid sowing in cold or overly wet soil.
How to Sow: Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep in rich, well-draining soil. Plant 2–3 seeds per spot, spacing hills about 4–5 feet apart.
Germination Tips: Seeds sprout in 5–10 days if the soil stays warm and moist. Water lightly to avoid disturbing seeds.
Step 2: Transplant Seedlings 🌿
When to Transplant: If started in trays, transplant seedlings when they have 2–3 true leaves, about 2–3 weeks after sowing.
How to Transplant: Space plants 3–5 feet apart to give vines room to spread properly.
Aftercare: Water thoroughly after transplanting. Mulch the soil to keep roots cool and conserve moisture.
Step 3: Care for Plants 🌞💧
Sunlight Needs: Watermelons need 6–8 hours of full, direct sunlight daily for strong vines and sweet fruits.
Watering: Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. Reduce watering slightly once fruits start maturing to concentrate sweetness.
Feeding Schedule: Mix compost into soil before planting. Feed with NPK 20-20-20 fertilizer every 15 days until flowering, then switch to NPK 5-15-45 to support fruit development.
Step 4: Protect Plants 🐛
Common Pests: Watch for aphids, leaf miners, and fruit flies attacking vines and young fruits.
Natural Protection: Spray neem oil every 10–12 days (1 teaspoon neem oil + 1 liter water + few drops soap), focusing on leaf undersides and near flowers.
Common Problems:
- Fruit Cracking: Caused by irregular watering — maintain consistent moisture.
- Poor Pollination: Leads to small or deformed fruits — hand-pollinate if bees are scarce.
- Yellow Leaves: May signal overwatering or fungal diseases — adjust care accordingly.
Step 5: Harvest Watermelons 🍉
When to Harvest: Watermelons are ready 80–100 days after sowing, when the fruit’s bottom (where it touches the soil) turns creamy yellow and the tendril nearest the fruit dries up.
How to Harvest: Cut the fruit from the vine with a sharp knife, leaving a small piece of stem attached.
Bonus Tip: Tap the watermelon — a ripe fruit sounds deep and hollow.
FAQs
Can I grow watermelons in pots?
Possible but challenging. Use very large pots (at least 18–24 inches wide) and allow vines to trail freely.
How long do watermelon vines grow?
Vines can spread 10–15 feet or more, needing wide space or trellises if growing vertically.
Why are my watermelons small?
Poor pollination, lack of water, or overcrowding often cause small fruits.
How many watermelons does one plant produce?
Typically, 2–4 good-sized fruits per healthy plant.
Can I grow watermelon vertically?
Yes, but you must use strong trellises and support developing fruits with slings.
Growing watermelons at home takes patience but the reward of fresh, sweet tarbooz is totally worth it. With the right warmth, steady care, and space, you’ll soon enjoy juicy, homegrown fruits all summer long.
