How to Grow Small Seedless Watermelons

Small seedless watermelons weigh 3 to 7 lbs.

Small seedless watermelons are a type that has undeveloped seeds instead of the large black seeds found in standard watermelons. This type of watermelon is a sterile hybrid that came from crossing a standard watermelon with a genetically altered watermelon. The small seedless types have a shorter growing season than standard watermelons, but are unable to pollinate on their own. You must plant a standard watermelon type next to the seedless type for fruit production to occur.

Things You'll Need

• Peat pots
• Seed starting soil
• Germination mat
• Black garden plastic
• Insecticide

Instructions

1. Sow the watermelon seeds indoors about three weeks before the desired outdoor planting date. Place two seeds in a peat pot or six-pack planting container filled with a seed-starting soil moistened with water. Sprinkle 1/4 inch of soil on top of the seeds.

2. Set the planting containers on top of a germination mat in an area that receives indirect sunlight. Set the mat temperature to a temperature of 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Watermelon seeds will not germinate at a temperature below 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Find a well-draining garden area that receives full sunlight. Watermelons prefer a sandy loam soil but will do well in most soils except those high in clay content. Create rows five feet apart.

4. Transplant the watermelon seedlings outdoors once there is no longer a risk of frost. Plant the seedlings two feet apart in the rows, with each seedless watermelon next to a seed type plant for pollination.

5. Install black plastic garden covering over the soil around the plants. Cut 5- to 6-inch-diameter holes for the watermelon plants to grow. Black plastic covering works as a mulch to keep the soil warm and assist with moisture retention.

6. Remove weeds as they appear around the watermelon stem to prevent competition with moisture and keep adequate air circulation around the plants.

7. Provide supplemental water to the plants during periods of drought for more than two weeks. Monitor the moisture by poking your finger into the soil around the plant stem. Apply water when the top 3 to 4 inches of soil is dry.

8. Monitor the plants for the presence of cucumber beetles chewing on the leaves. Apply an insecticide to control a problem with the insects.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Watermelon
• The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station; How to Grow Personal Size Seedless Watermelons in Connecticut; Abigail A. Maynard
• University of Florida Extension; Growing Seedless Watermelon; Donald N. Maynard