Every year in Saskatchewan there is a strange phenomenon that occurs throughout the growing season known as the Evanescere Citrullus linatus.
On some of the hottest days of the summer and fall, families gather at the local grocery store to purchase a plump, refreshing watermelon (Citrullus linatus), only to find the bins empty. Meanwhile in an urban centre located in the southern part of the province and known for its 'pile of bones' in the late 1800s, 30,000+ humans gather to worship green clothed men running around a grassy field chasing a brown, pointy, egg-shaped object. Most of these 30,000+ spectators are also dressed in green colored clothes including green colored head coverings. Aha, the mystery of the mass evanescere ( Latin for 'to vanish') of watermelon is uncovered. The Citrullus linatus are sitting on the heads of Roughrider fans all over the province.
So instead of contributing to a province-wide watermelon shortage (or conversely to assure yourself of a supply), why not grow your own watermelon next summer? First, start with a cultivar that will mature during our growing season. Watermelon loves hot temperatures and sun. When searching for seed, look for cultivars that will mature in at least 75-80 days. Some of the cultivars that have performed well in the University of Saskatchewan vegetable research program include; Delta and Yellow Baby (Norseco Seeds), Lantha and Vista (Vesey's Seeds), Sweet Favorite (Dominion Seeds) and Redlicious.
Watermelons require a long growing season and must be started indoors as transplants. Vine crops usually do not like to have their roots disturbed and watermelon is no exception. Start seedlings indoors approximately two to three weeks before transplanting out in Jiffy 7 peat pots. Cover the peat pots with a clear plastic. Do not water peat pots until seeds have germinated: overly wet peat pots will cause watermelon seeds to rot. Once seedlings have emerged, uncover the peat pellets and grow in a warm, sunny location.
To warm up the soil, cover the soil where the watermelon seedlings will be planted with clear or green IRT (infra-red transmitting, aka solar mulch) plastic mulch a week or more before you intend to plant. Mulch may be available locally from some garden centres or through mail-order companies. Besides heating up the soil, the other main benefits to using mulch is to prevent weed growth and maintain higher soil moisture.
For ease of irrigation, place a drip tube or weeping hose under the plastic mulch. Secure the edges of the plastic mulch with soil. Cut holes in the plastic and transplant the watermelon seedlings into the soil after all danger of overnight frost is past (third or fourth week in May). Cover the transplanted seedlings with either a crop cover or clear perforated plastic tunnels (see note above for mulch supplies). Secure all edges with soil. As soon as watermelon plants start to bloom (usually mid to late June), uncover plants to allow bees and insects to pollinate flowers. Crop covers can be replaced after fruit set to promote warm growing conditions.
In a typical year, you will have ripe watermelon by the end of August/ beginning of September. The mature watermelon should produce a hollow 'thump' when tapped. When picking your first watermelon out of the patch, pick it close to game day. That way, if the watermelon isn't quite ripe for eating, you can always join the party and wear your very own, locally grown Roughrider helmet.
- Bantle is a horticulturist in the Dept. of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan. This column is provided courtesy of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society (www.saskperennial.ca; [email protected]).
Upcoming events
Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m.: City Flower Barrel Program. Join Moira Moser as she describes what goes into the choice of plants, care and maintenance of Saskatoon's fabulous flower barrels found throughout the city. St. James Anglican Church, 607 Dufferin Ave. Side door. Free.
