Seedless watermelon seeds have a thick seed coat and are not fully developed, making germination challenging. Before sowing, the seeds need to be "broken" to improve sprouting. After sterilization, soak the seeds for 8–10 hours. Wipe them dry with a cloth to remove any remaining moisture and mucus. Gently rub the seed's umbilicus with your teeth or use a small wire clamp to open it slightly. When planting, make sure the seed is placed upright with a small opening, about one-third of the umbilicus length. Be careful not to damage the kernel while handling.
For optimal germination, seedless watermelon requires higher temperatures—around 32–35°C, which is 3–5°C warmer than regular watermelons. Seedlings also need a slightly higher temperature, so using a hotbed or insulating the bed with straw or wind barriers is essential. Reduce ventilation in the seedbed to maintain stable temperatures and prevent sudden drops.
Because seedless watermelon seedlings grow more slowly and are weaker initially, they should be sown 3–5 days earlier than regular watermelons. Use heated environments like electric hotbeds or greenhouses to support early growth.
Fertilizer and water requirements for seedless watermelon are higher. Apply 4,000–5,000 kg of manure, 60–80 kg of cake fertilizer, 40–50 kg of superphosphate, and 50 kg of ammonium sulfate or 30 kg of urea, along with 25 kg of potassium sulfate. Base fertilizers like manure and phosphate should be applied during soil preparation, while other nutrients are top-dressed in 3–4 applications.
During the seedling stage, growth is slow, but it accelerates once vines develop. Proper watering and fertilization are crucial to avoid excessive vine growth without fruit set. Water sparingly before the female flowers appear, and increase irrigation and nutrient supply after the young fruits begin to grow to promote rapid development.
Seedless watermelon cannot pollinate itself due to its sterility. Therefore, it must be intercropped with ordinary watermelon varieties to provide pollen. Typically, 3–4 rows of seedless watermelon are planted with 1 row of regular watermelon. Choose varieties with distinct characteristics to easily identify them during harvest.
Seedless watermelons often have low fruit setting rates, resulting in small, misshapen, thick-skinned, or hollow fruits. Select large, well-shaped fruits with thin skin and fewer seeds for better quality. Usually, the third female flower on the main vine (around the 20th node) is chosen for fruiting.
Harvesting seedless watermelon is time-sensitive. They should be picked earlier than regular watermelons to avoid over-ripening, which can lead to soft flesh, reduced juice, and poor flavor. The ideal time to harvest is when the fruit is 90–95% mature.
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