How to Plant Seedless Watermelon Seeds
The mystery behind growing seedless watermelons from seeds can be revealed through the explanation of pollination. A chemical is used to double the inheritance genes of a normal watermelon plant (diploid plant) to achieve a different type of watermelon plant that contains four sets of chromosomes (tetraploid plant). When the tetraploid plant is pollinated by a normal plant, the resulting seed is another tetraploid plant which produces seedless watermelons. Planting seedless varieties of watermelons essentially follows the same planting guidelines as regular watermelons. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Soak peat pellets until they are saturated and fully expanded.
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Allow expanded peat pellets to drain for 4 to 6 hours.
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Make indentations of no more than 1/2 inch into the peat pellet with your finger or small knife.
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Put two seeds into the center of each peat pellet. Diploid seeds are smaller than tetraploid seeds. It's recommended to plant one diploid seed and one tetraploid seed into each pellet.
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Cover seeds with excess soil from each peat pellet.
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Place seed pellets on a gardening tray and place in an area free from drafts with a stable temperature of 75 to 85 degrees F.
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Water pellets lightly during the germination period to keep them from drying out. This is a crucial time for the developing plants. Overwatering or drying out of the seed pellets will kill emerging embryos.
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Begin routine watering as needed once seedlings emerge.
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Transplant seedless watermelon plants to an open, outdoor garden, 3 to 4 weeks after sprouting.
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Using a garden trowel, dig holes in garden rows 4 feet apart and 4 to 6 inches deep.
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Place watermelon plants into holes, water and cover with dirt. Allow 70 to 85 days to maturity.
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Tips & Warnings
Recommended row spacing is typically 4 feet between plants and 6 to 7 feet between rows. Watermelons require a warm climate throughout the growing period.
