Posting this because it is an annual topic that some need to refresh.
There are several signs a watermelon is ripe.
-
If the tendril is dark brown, it is probably ripe. The tendril is on the opposite side of the node where the melon attaches to the vine.
-
If you thump it and it has a deep bass echo it is likely ripe. You will have to practice this, but for me, it is very accurate.
-
Look at the ground spot. Larger and lighter means it is ripe. Some turn white, some yellow, color doesn’t matter, size does. When I have made a mistake picking a ripe melon from unripe, it was usually because I didn’t pay enough attention to the ground spot.
-
Feel of the watermelon. Ripe watermelons get a lumpy/bumpy texture that you can’t see but can feel. Caution that some smooth skin varieties like Dixielee don’t have this marker.
-
Heft the watermelon. Ripe watermelons develop a distinctive feeling of being dense and heavy. This is another one you have to practice, but with a bit of effort it is effective.
There are a few others, but they are rarely needed if you know the above. Don’t wait for the stem to turn brown. When it does, the watermelon will most likely be overripe.
If you are interested in producing watermelon seed, they have to get about 2 weeks overripe to have fully mature seed. Some of the seed will germinate if harvested earlier, but for most of the seed to be viable, wait for 2 to 3 weeks.
A good flavored sweet and juicy watermelon is the culmination of good genetics with good growing conditions. The last 3 weeks before ripening should be with minimal water. Too much rain in this time period will result in poor flavor and low sugar. I’ve grown between 50 and 100 varieties of watermelons over the years. A few that are memorable are Ledmon, Yellow Moon & Stars, Wibb, and Jubilee. Charleston Gray types can be pretty good too though I don’t grow them.
4 Likes
Great stuff @Fusion_power
A timely post as well. I’m growing several small melons (like Blacktail Mountain).
I am also growing some that are more like the cantelope/honeydew type. I imagine the tell for a ripe melon is different for them. Luckily some turn color completely so you have a chance to know you are at least close. Some though stay green on the outside, like Petit Gris de Rennes.
I’m not sure how to tell when the petit gris is ripe
1 Like
That’s good to know since I’m growing it for the first time. I’ll need to pay close attention and see if I can see any changes.
1 Like
I’m sure there is a vine length to pounds of fruit ratio that each variety supports.
The Blacktail Mountain vines only have a 2 fruit about 7-8 inches diameter, but lots of vine.
The Petit Gris has a lot of vine on 3 plants. I probably have 10 or so fruit baseball size or greater. The largest is starting to light up a bit in color. Here are two photos.
Note: it’s possible this isn’t the petit gris as I had a lot of left over seed packets and this planting is an after thought at the base of a fruit tree surrounded by limestone walkway. Great way to use the walkway space for them to spread without worrying about mowing / weeding.
Residential lot grower here.
its my first year growing it too, but ripe muskmelons are easier to tell as compared to watermelons IME: The stem comes somewhat loose from the fruit and the fruit becomes intensely aromatic.
if all else fails, just wait for it to disappear or get half eaten. Thats a sure fire way to know its ripe!
2 Likes
Ha! Gotcha.
It’s a bit harder to get my head at melon level than it was when I was younger!
I guess they are called ‘musk’ melons for a reason.
Let’s both follow up as we pick our perspective melons.
1 Like
ill be a little behind you. fruit is just setting here. im doing 2 muskmelons- petite gris, and a honeydew type called ‘model’. mid-Aug is about when i should start seeing ripe melons
Many cantaloupes detach from the vine when they are ripe. In my experience, they are just slightly overripe when they detach on their own. I usually pick them when they detach with a gentle pull. Also, cantaloupes and other melons including charentais types have a very narrow window from unripe to just right to overripe.
1 Like
Getting color now on whatever variety this is. Hopefully the forecast rains don’t make them less sweet and even split.
2 Likes
Charentais there. The stem should separate from the vine now. Don’t let it go longer.
1 Like
That should be right thanks. I had several seed packages and forgot to mark what I planted where.
The photos online don’t show as much color on the outside as mine are showing already.
I had a small one ripen before sizing much and ate it before the stem started drying. It was still pretty good so I can’t wait until I taste a really ripe one. The one pictured is about twice the size of the earlier one I ate. I’m not sure what makes a particular melon stop sizing and ripen smaller.
I’ve only grown cantaloupe type melons once before many years ago and remember them splitting and not tasting very sweet.
1 Like
Charentais are very much prone to splitting and are incredibly sweet. You don’t have to sniff for ripeness, it’s palpable.
2 Likes
And there you go. Went to check the few coloring Charentais melons and the popped right off when I lifted them.
And yes, as I was carrying them the aroma is lovely and strong.
Will slice them after chilling.
3 Likes
So I think these are Petit Gris de Rennes.
For those who have grown it, how do you tell it’s ripe? I’m somewhat confused because many of the online photos of the melon cut open have no color on the outside.
I realize I’ve already asked this question, but my update was because I didn’t expect to see the outside changing color. Mine are starting to show color but the stems are still firm.
We are supposed to have several inches of rain after today. I’m worried what heavy rain will do to the ones getting close to ripe.
Maybe I’ll pick the most colored one and see?
2 Likes
I’m amazed at how quickly melons ripen. Two photos, one in the morning and the other 11 hours later. At this rate it might be ready to pick tomorrow evening.
1 Like
