When to Harvest Crimson Sweet Watermelon: A Guide for Gardeners

When to Harvest Crimson Sweet Watermelon?

Crimson Sweet watermelons are a popular summer treat, and for good reason. They’re sweet, juicy, and refreshing. But when is the best time to harvest them?

Harvesting a watermelon at the right time is important to ensure that it’s at its peak flavor and sweetness. If you harvest it too early, it won’t be as sweet. If you harvest it too late, it will start to lose its flavor and become mushy.

So, how do you know when a watermelon is ripe? There are a few things to look for:

• The skin should be a deep, dark green color.
• The rind should be firm and have a slight give when you press it.
• The tendril at the end of the watermelon should be dry and brown.
• The watermelon should make a hollow sound when you thump it.

If you’re not sure if a watermelon is ripe, it’s better to err on the side of caution and wait a few more days. A ripe watermelon will be worth the wait!

Week	Days After Transplanting	Maturity
6-8	60-70	Firm rind, light green
9-10	70-80	Rind turns yellow
11-12	80-90	Rind turns orange

When To Harvest Crimson Sweet Watermelon?

Crimson Sweet watermelons are a popular variety of watermelon that is known for its sweet, juicy flesh. The best time to harvest Crimson Sweet watermelons is when they are ripe and have reached their full size.

There are a few different ways to tell if a Crimson Sweet watermelon is ripe.

Signs of Ripeness

• Skin color: The skin of a ripe Crimson Sweet watermelon will be dark green with a yellow or orange undertone. The rind will also be firm and smooth.
• Thumping sound: When you thump a ripe Crimson Sweet watermelon, it will make a hollow sound.
• Stem detachment: The stem of a ripe Crimson Sweet watermelon will be dry and easy to detach from the fruit.
• Sugar content: The sugar content of a ripe Crimson Sweet watermelon will be high. You can test the sugar content by cutting a small piece of the watermelon and tasting it.

Harvesting Methods

There are two main methods for harvesting Crimson Sweet watermelons: hand picking and mechanical harvesting.

• Hand picking: Hand picking is the traditional method of harvesting watermelons. To hand pick a watermelon, you will need to wear gloves to protect your hands from the sharp thorns. Grasp the watermelon firmly near the stem and twist it gently until it comes loose.
• Mechanical harvesting: Mechanical harvesting is a more efficient way to harvest watermelons. To mechanically harvest watermelons, you will need a tractor with a watermelon harvester attachment. The harvester will cut the watermelons from the vine and place them in a container.

Crimson Sweet watermelons are a delicious and nutritious summer fruit. By following these tips, you can harvest Crimson Sweet watermelons at their peak ripeness and enjoy their sweet, juicy flavor.

Here are some additional tips for harvesting Crimson Sweet watermelons:

• Harvest watermelons in the morning or evening when the temperature is cooler.
• Store watermelons in a cool, dry place.
• Watermelons can be stored for up to two weeks.

Enjoy!

Storage and Handling

Once you have harvested your crimson sweet watermelons, it is important to store them properly to ensure that they stay fresh and delicious. Here are a few tips for storing crimson sweet watermelons:

• Proper temperature: Watermelons should be stored at a temperature of 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too warm, the watermelons will spoil quickly. If the temperature is too cold, the watermelons will become mushy.
• Avoiding bruising: When storing watermelons, be careful not to bruise them. Bruised watermelons will spoil more quickly.
• Extending shelf life: To extend the shelf life of your watermelons, you can wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. Watermelons can also be frozen for later use.

Troubleshooting

If your crimson sweet watermelons are not ripening, there are a few things you can do to help them along. Here are a few tips:

• Place the watermelons in a warm location: Watermelons need warm temperatures to ripen. If the temperature is too cold, the watermelons will not ripen properly.
• Turn the watermelons regularly: Turning the watermelons regularly will help them to ripen evenly.
• Apply a little pressure to the watermelons: Applying a little pressure to the watermelons will help to release theethylene gas that is produced during ripening.

If your crimson sweet watermelons are splitting, there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening. Here are a few tips:

• Do not overwater your watermelons: Overwatering can cause the watermelons to split.
• Pick the watermelons when they are ripe: Watermelons that are picked too early are more likely to split.
• Handle the watermelons carefully: When handling watermelons, be careful not to drop them or damage them.

Crimson sweet watermelons are a delicious and refreshing summer treat. By following these tips, you can ensure that your watermelons stay fresh and delicious from harvest to taste.

When is the best time to harvest Crimson Sweet watermelons?

Crimson Sweet watermelons are typically ready to harvest when the rind is dark green and has a slight yellow tint. The watermelon should also have a dull thud when you tap it. To be sure, you can also cut into the watermelon and check to see if the flesh is a bright red color. If it is, the watermelon is ripe and ready to eat.

How do I know if a watermelon is ripe?

There are a few ways to tell if a watermelon is ripe. First, look at the rind. It should be dark green with a slight yellow tint. The watermelon should also have a dull thud when you tap it. To be sure, you can also cut into the watermelon and check to see if the flesh is a bright red color. If it is, the watermelon is ripe and ready to eat.

How long does it take for Crimson Sweet watermelons to ripen?

Crimson Sweet watermelons typically take about 80 days to ripen. However, the exact ripening time can vary depending on the climate and growing conditions.

How do I store Crimson Sweet watermelons?

Crimson Sweet watermelons can be stored for up to two weeks at room temperature. To extend the storage time, you can wrap the watermelon in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Watermelons can also be frozen for up to six months.

How do I prepare Crimson Sweet watermelons?

Crimson Sweet watermelons are delicious eaten fresh, but they can also be used in a variety of recipes. You can cut them into cubes and add them to salads, smoothies, or fruit bowls. You can also use them to make watermelon juice, sorbet, or popsicles.

the best time to harvest Crimson Sweet watermelon is when the rind is dark green and the flesh is firm. The watermelon should be slightly soft to the touch, but not mushy. The watermelon is ripe when the tendril closest to the watermelon turns brown and dry. If you are unsure if the watermelon is ripe, you can cut it open and check the color of the flesh. The flesh should be a bright red color and should be juicy and sweet.