At present, it's an excellent time for watermelon seedling cultivation. Based on the experience of melon farmers in the suburbs of Beijing, the following key points should be carefully considered during the seedling management phase:
First, variety selection is crucial. For large watermelons, varieties such as Jingxin No. 1 and No. 2 are highly recommended. For small watermelons, early spring red jade, red Xiaoshuai, and Jingxiu from the Beijing Agricultural Technology Promotion Station or the Beijing Vegetable Research Center are ideal choices. Farmers can also opt for other local varieties that perform well in their region.
Next, seed treatment and pre-germination are essential steps. Soak the seeds in a 1500-fold solution of trisodium phosphate or potassium permanganate for 15–20 minutes. Afterward, rinse them thoroughly with clean water and gently dry them with an oil-free towel. Germination can then be initiated by placing the seeds at room temperature (25–32°C) for 24–36 hours.
Once germination begins, it's important to select the most viable seeds. After 24–36 hours, when about 75% of the seeds have germinated, transfer them to a low-temperature environment (5–10°C) for 8–10 hours. This cold acclimation helps strengthen the seedlings and improves their resilience.
For seedbed preparation and sowing, sterilize the soil using a 50% carbendazim solution diluted 800 times, or a 56% seedbed net solution diluted 500 times, or 72% Previcur at 1000 times. You can also use a 1000-fold dilution method. To prevent root-knot nematode disease, apply appropriate control agents during this process. When sowing, choose uniformly sized germinated seeds and maintain soil moisture between 60% and 70%. Cover the seeds with white mulch immediately after sowing to retain heat and keep the soil temperature around 25°C for optimal growth.
After the seedlings emerge, remove the cover promptly when 75% of the seeds have sprouted. Gently remove any excess seedlings to ensure the cotyledons receive enough light. This helps them turn green faster, promoting photosynthesis and stronger development.
Temperature control is also critical. Once more than 80% of the seedlings have emerged, stop using geothermal heating. Maintain daytime temperatures between 25°C and 32°C, while keeping nighttime temperatures above 12°C. Lower the temperature to 16°C–20°C during the day and 14°C–17°C at night to avoid overgrowth and encourage robust seedlings.
By following these steps, farmers can significantly improve the quality and survival rate of their watermelon seedlings, leading to a better harvest in the long run.
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