WATER MELON

Propagation and planting

Seed rate

Approximately 1.0-1.5 kg of seeds are required for cultivating one hectare of land. To improve germination percentage, soak the seeds over night in water, drain and keep wrapped in wet gunny bags.

Planting

December-April is the ideal seasons for growing watermelon. Prepare the soil to a fine tilth by ploughing and harrowing. Various systems of sowing can been adopted.

a) Pit method: Pits of 60 cm diameter and 30-45 cm depth are taken at a distance of 3.0x2.0 m apart. Well rotten FYM and fertilizers are mixed with topsoil in the pit and four or five seeds are sown in a pit. Remove unhealthy plants after two weeks and retain two or three plants per pit.

b) Furrow method: Furrows are opened at a distance of 2-3 m apart. Sowing is done on either sides of furrows and the vines are allowed to trail on the ground. Dibble 3-4 seeds at a distance of 60-90 cm along the furrow.

c) Hill method: While planting in riverbeds, pits of size 30 x 30 x 30 cm are dug at a distance of 1-1.5 m. The pits are filled with equal quantities of soil and FYM. The soil is piled up in the form of a hill and two seeds are planted on each hill.

Last updated: 11-06-2008