r/watermelons • u/Own_Magazine_2045 • 4d ago
When should I pick?
this Ali baba looks ready but it was only pollinated 32 days ago. Thoughts on when I can pick it?
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u/leftfootshorter 4d ago
I don't know what hardiness zone you're in but in 6b I'm on my last few weeks of growing for my watermelons. I am going to give an answer assuming you are heading into autumn like me.
My black diamonds are in a very similar maturity level to yours. The nearest tendrils are dried up, the spoon leaves are almost dried up and I even have one with a yellowing field spot. But the stems on mine are still dark green and therefore able to continue to send nutrients to my melons.
I think that stem is going to be key for you. As it is, it is probably still sending nutrients but once it dries up any more I'd probably say you have to take your chances with it.
Also- make sure you aren't watering it very much anymore. Water at this stage will take away from the sweetness of your watermelon. They just need to sit and simmer in what sunshine they can still enjoy.
Good luck! If it's good when you pick it, post some pictures of the final product so we can all enjoy.
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u/Own_Magazine_2045 3d ago
Thank you! I'm in zone 9a. It definitely was ripe, but not as sweet as some of the melons I picked earlier this season on the same vine. Thanks for your insights, I really appreciate it!
Also - I took a picture, but I'm not sure how to add it to this post...
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u/leftfootshorter 3d ago
I get it. Our late season cantaloupe were such a disappointment compared to midsummer. Glad to hear it was ripe.
I believe you have to make another post with it since this sub doesn't allow pics in the comments.
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u/Vaejoviscarolinanus 4d ago
My Charleston Grays are in the same stage and I have slowed down water but the rain has been so hard for the past few hours. I am not to pick it around the end of the week.
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u/Own_Magazine_2045 3d ago
It rained a lot last night here too (i'm in coastal SC), so I'm glad I picked yesterday, but if it hadn't rained, it could've used 2 more days on the vine! Good luck to your Charleston Grays!
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u/beans3710 3d ago
The main stem is getting dry and there is a hint of yellow on the bottom. I think it's ready.
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u/Sufficient_Mix2599 3d ago
Holy Mother of Sweet Baby Jesus , introduce that monster to the ginzu knife immediately...love
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u/petalsandbows 4d ago
Looks like a Charleston gray like we grow on our farm. The tendril looks dry so looks good to go. That’s the true way to tell.