When Is a Watermelon Ready to Pick From a Vine?

Selecting a ripe melon requires checking several indicators.

Picking a watermelon at the peak of ripeness enhances the enjoyment when it is consumed. Watermelon does not continue to ripen after it is harvested so proper harvesting procedures are critical. There are several visual indicators as to when the melon is ripe for harvest. However, there is no non-invasive test that is foolproof for selecting a ripe melon.

Thumping

Rapping the top of the watermelon with your knuckles is an age-old method of checking ripeness. Ripe melons have a hollow dull sound while melons that are not ripe have a sharper or more metallic sound. Gardeners check the sounds of melons they know are not ripe and compare them to the sounds made as the melon matures.

Pig Tails

The small leafless stem that extends from the main stem near the melon curls as it grows and is sometimes referred to as a "pig tail." The pig tail dries as the melon matures and ripens. Monitor the pig tail and begin checking for other signs of ripeness as the pig tails dry. Not all melons have this small stem.

Check the Spot

The underside of the melon where it rests on the ground is lighter in the color than the rest of the watermelon. Depending on the variety this should be either a light yellow or cream color when ripe, rather than the pale green or white common when the melon is not ripe.

Cut it Open

The ultimate way to check the ripeness is to cut a wedge from the melon. Lift the wedge out and check the seeds. Ripe melons have black or brown seeds while melons that aren't ripe often have white or light-colored seeds. Taste the melon, that's the ultimate test. Expect a sweet taste from a ripe melon. Note the other indications such as the color of the ground spot and the sound of the thump test for future reference when checking melons in the garden.

References

• North Dakota State University: How Do You Pick a Ripe Watermelon; Ronald Smith; Sept. 1999
• University of Illinois Extension: Watermelon