Savor the Sweet Success: Growing Irresistible Watermelons in Canada
Watermelons are a delicious and refreshing summer fruit, and with proper care, they can be successfully grown in certain regions of Canada. In this article, we will explore three popular watermelon varieties for Canadian gardeners: Sugar Baby, Tendersweet Orange, and Petite Yellow. We’ll discuss their characteristics, offer tips on sowing and harvesting, address common pests and diseases, and delve into the historical significance of these varieties.
Sugar Baby Watermelon
Sugar Baby is a compact and early-maturing variety, making it well-suited for Canadian gardens with shorter growing seasons. It produces round, medium-sized melons with dark green rinds and vibrant red flesh. The flesh is incredibly sweet and juicy, offering a classic watermelon flavor. Sugar Baby is a popular choice among gardeners due to its relatively small size, making it ideal for smaller garden spaces or container gardening.
Tendersweet Orange Watermelon
Tendersweet Orange is a unique and visually striking variety that adds a burst of color to the garden. Its oblong fruits have bright orange flesh with a sweet, tropical flavor. The rind is light green with dark green stripes, providing an attractive contrast. Tendersweet Orange is a larger watermelon variety that requires a longer growing season to reach its full maturity. It’s worth noting that while Tendersweet Orange can be successfully grown in Canada, it may require extra care and attention due to its longer maturation period.
Petite Yellow Watermelon
Petite Yellow is a charming and rare watermelon variety that is gaining popularity among gardeners. As the name suggests, it produces small, round melons with pale yellow rinds and sweet, crisp, and slightly tangy yellow flesh. Petite Yellow watermelons are known for their refreshing flavor and unique appearance, making them a delightful addition to any garden. This variety is particularly suitable for Canadian gardeners as it tends to mature earlier than other watermelon varieties.
Tips for Growing Watermelons in Canada
Sowing
Start watermelon seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost date. Use biodegradable pots to minimize transplant shock when moving the seedlings outdoors. Alternatively, you can sow seeds directly in well-drained soil once all danger of frost has passed. Ensure the soil temperature is consistently above 21°C (70°F) for successful germination.
Growing Conditions
Watermelons thrive in warm and sunny locations. Choose a site with full sun exposure and fertile, loamy soil that is well-drained. Provide ample space for the vines to spread.
Watering and Fertilizing
Watermelons require regular watering, especially during dry spells. Deep, infrequent watering is preferable to frequent shallow watering. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Fertilize the plants with a balanced organic fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy growth and fruit development.
Harvesting
The best way to determine if a watermelon is ripe is to look for several signs: the underside (where it touches the ground) should turn yellow or creamy; the skin color should become dull; the tendrils closest to the fruit should turn brown and dry out; and when you thump the fruit, it should produce a deep, hollow sound. Harvest carefully using pruning shears or a sharp knife, leaving a short stem attached.
Pests and Diseases
While watermelons are generally hardy plants, they can still be susceptible to various pests and diseases. Being aware of these potential issues and taking preventive measures can help ensure a successful harvest. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect watermelons:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves, stems, and fruits of watermelon plants. They can cause stunted growth, leaf curling, and the transmission of plant viruses. To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or a strong spray of water to wash them off the plants. Introducing natural predators such as ladybugs can also help keep aphid populations in check.
Cucumber Beetles
Cucumber beetles are notorious pests that can damage watermelon plants. They feed on leaves, flowers, and fruits, and can transmit bacterial wilt and other diseases. There are two common types of cucumber beetles: striped cucumber beetles and spotted cucumber beetles. To control these pests, you can use floating row covers early in the season to exclude them from the plants. Additionally, removing weeds and crop debris around the garden can help reduce their populations.
Squash Bugs
Squash bugs are another common pest that can affect watermelon plants. They feed on the leaves, causing wilting and browning. They can also transmit bacterial diseases. To control squash bugs, regularly inspect the plants and remove any eggs or nymphs that you find. You can also use organic insecticides labeled for squash bugs if their population becomes problematic.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves of watermelon plants. It thrives in warm, humid conditions. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure proper air circulation around the plants by providing adequate spacing. Avoid overhead watering, as wet leaves can promote the growth of the fungus. If powdery mildew does appear, you can apply a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew control.
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that affects the vascular system of watermelon plants, causing wilting, yellowing, and eventual death. The disease can persist in the soil for many years. To prevent fusarium wilt, practice crop rotation, avoiding planting watermelons or other cucurbits in the same spot for several years. Use disease-resistant varieties whenever possible.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes circular, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits of watermelon plants. It thrives in warm and humid conditions. To manage anthracnose, provide proper air circulation by spacing the plants adequately. Remove and destroy infected plant debris to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides labeled for anthracnose control can be applied preventively.
Blossom End Rot
Blossom end rot is a physiological disorder rather than a disease, but it can affect watermelons. It appears as a sunken, dark spot on the blossom end of the fruit. It is caused by calcium deficiency or inconsistent watering. To prevent blossom end rot, ensure consistent moisture levels in the soil and provide adequate calcium by incorporating organic matter or using calcium-rich fertilizers.
Remember, prevention is key to managing pests and diseases in watermelons. Maintaining healthy plants through proper watering, fertilization, and good cultural practices will help them withstand potential issues. Regular monitoring and early intervention can prevent pest and disease outbreaks from becoming severe.
By understanding and addressing these common pests and diseases, you’ll be well-prepared to grow thriving watermelon plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet and succulent fruits.
Historical Significance of Watermelon Varieties:
Sugar Baby, Tendersweet Orange, and Petite Yellow are all cultivars that have been developed through years of selective breeding to enhance their flavor, appearance, and adaptability to specific growing conditions. While the exact origins of these varieties may vary, watermelons, in general, have a rich history dating back thousands of years. They are believed to have originated in Africa and were cultivated in ancient Egypt as early as 5,000 years ago.
Watermelons have traveled across continents and have been cherished in various cultures throughout history. They were introduced to North America by European settlers and have since become a staple summer fruit. Today, watermelon breeding programs continue to evolve, introducing new and exciting varieties that cater to different tastes and growing conditions.
In conclusion, growing watermelons in Canada is indeed possible, especially with the right selection of varieties and proper care. Sugar Baby, Tendersweet Orange, and Petite Yellow offer Canadian gardeners a range of flavors, colors, and sizes to choose from. By following the tips provided and staying vigilant against pests and diseases, you can enjoy the sweet rewards of homegrown watermelons while exploring their fascinating historical journey.