How to Tell When Watermelon is Ready to Pick

Mastering the Art of Harvesting Sweetness

When to Harvest (and Eat!) Watermelon

When it comes to watermelon, timing is everything. Unlike muskmelons, which gracefully detach from the vine when ripe, watermelons require a bit more finesse to gauge their readiness. Here’s what you need to know:

The Thump Test

This classic method involves tapping the watermelon and listening for a low-pitched, hollow sound. Think of it as akin to drumming your fingers on a well-tuned instrument. A ripe watermelon should sound “punk” rather than “pink” or “pank”. However, this method can be tricky and isn’t foolproof for everyone.

Visual Cues

• Watch for the green color to become dull, signaling maturation.
• On striped varieties, the space between the stripes will darken.
• The rind toughens, protecting the sweet flesh inside.
• The blossom end softens as the fruit ripens.
• Growth halts; the watermelon won’t get any larger.
• The ground spot turns from white to a creamy yellow hue.
• Check the vine closest to the fruit for cracks or browning.
• Observe the tendril nearest to the fruit; it will curl and turn brown.

​​​​​​​Consulting the Seed Packet

For those who prefer a precise timeline, seed packets provide valuable information. For example, Sugar Babies typically ripen around 80 days after planting. Adjustments may be necessary if seedlings were transplanted later.

Understanding the Ripening Process

Watermelons undergo significant changes in their final two weeks of growth. Patience is crucial during this period to ensure optimal sweetness and texture.

How do you know when a watermelon is ripe in the store?

When you’re looking to pick a ripe watermelon at the store, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Look for the field spot: This is the creamy, yellowish spot on the watermelon where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. A ripe watermelon usually has a creamy yellow or orange-yellow spot, indicating it’s ready to eat.
2. Check the color: The color of the watermelon should be deep green and uniform. Avoid ones that have white streaks or spots.
3. Tap it: Gently tap the watermelon with your knuckles. A ripe watermelon will have a deep, hollow sound. If it sounds dull or solid, it may not be ripe yet.
4. Pick it up: A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size. This indicates it’s full of water and juicy.
5. Inspect the stem: If the watermelon still has a stem, it should be dried out. A green stem may indicate the fruit was picked prematurely.
6. Shape and size: Watermelons are generally oval or round. Irregular shapes or sizes might indicate uneven ripening or growth.

Is there any way to tell if a watermelon will be sweet without opening it?

Yes, there are a few indicators that can help you predict if a watermelon will be sweet without having to open it:

1. Field Spot: Look for a creamy yellow or orange-yellow spot on the watermelon where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. A larger, darker field spot often indicates that the watermelon has had more time to ripen and develop its sugars, potentially making it sweeter.
2. Heavy for its size: A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size, which indicates it is full of water and likely sweeter. This is because watermelons become sweeter as they ripen and develop more sugar.
3. Uniform Shape: Watermelons that are evenly shaped are more likely to have ripened evenly, which can contribute to sweetness.
4. Sound when tapped: While this method is not foolproof, a ripe watermelon typically produces a deeper, hollow sound when tapped gently. However, this method can vary depending on the size and thickness of the rind.
5. Appearance: A watermelon should have a vibrant, glossy appearance with a deep green color. Avoid ones that have dull or faded colors.