Citrullus lanatus aka Watermelon

Taxonomy

Genus Citrullus Family Cucurbitaceae Order Cucurbitales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a flowering plant species of the Cucurbitaceae family and the name of its edible fruit. A scrambling and trailing vine-like plant, it is a highly cultivated fruit worldwide, with more than 1,000 varieties. Watermelon is grown in favorable climates from tropical to temperate regions worldwide for its large edible fruit, which is a berry with a hard rind and no internal divisions, and is botanically called a pepo. The sweet, juicy flesh is usually deep red to pink, with many black seeds, although seedless varieties exist. The fruit can be eaten raw or pickled, and the rind is edible after cooking. It may also be consumed as a juice or an ingredient in mixed beverages. Watermelon is a classic summer treat, and the wide selection of modern and heirloom varieties includes fruits that range in size from a handful to two arms full with flesh colors of red, yellow, and even orange. All offer sweet, crisp juiciness and are a good source of lycopene and Vitamin C! Watermelon is easily grown from seed and does best in areas with long warm summers. Kordofan melons from Sudan are the closest relatives and may be progenitors of modern, cultivated watermelons. Wild watermelon seeds were found in Uan Muhuggiag, a prehistoric site in Libya that dates to approximately 3500 BC. Watermelons were domesticated in north-east Africa, and cultivated in Egypt by 2000 BC, although they were not the sweet modern variety. Sweet dessert watermelons spread across the Mediterranean world during Roman times. Considerable breeding effort has developed disease-resistant varieties. In 2017, China produced about two-thirds of the world's total of watermelons.

Common names

Watermelon, Afghan Melon, Bastard Melon

How to care for Watermelon

Difficulty

Watermelon requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Watermelon should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Watermelon loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Watermelon requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Watermelon will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Watermelon to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The Watermelon should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Watermelon’s native range is Tropical and S. Africa.

More info:
Wikipedia

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More Species in Citrullus Genus

Citrullus lanatus Watermelon