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Gardening 101: When is melon and watermelon ripe and ready to pick
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Is the watermelon ready to pick and enjoy?
Knowing when melons, including watermelons are ripe doesn't have to be a guessing game. There are actually tell-tale signs that will easily answer the question of whether it's time to enjoy the refreshing taste or if you need to wait a bit longer.
Is the watermelon ripe?
You can thump and tap the shell all you want, but it's not a sure way to tell if the melon is ripe. There are a couple of signs to look for with watermelons. First is the curly tendril that's on the vine next to the fruit stem. Once that tendril starts to die, the fruit is ripe. A second sign is the appearance of the underside of the watermelon. Turn the fruit over and if it's turned from white to yellow it's probably ready to enjoy.
Is the cantaloupe ripe?
Cantaloupes are part of a family of muskmellons which all have the hallmark of a netted skin. This type of melon is easy to figure out if it's ripe; just pick up the fruit and it will slip off the vine when ripe. For further confirmation, take a look at the underside of the fruit, which will turn yellow when ripe.
Is the honeydew melon ripe?
Honeydews and other types of melons with smooth skin aren't quite so easy. The hard skin of honeydews and similar varieties will feel fuzzy when the fruit is still maturing. As they mature the skin becomes smoother and when completely ripe they feel waxy. You can also use your nose for these types of melons. The blossom end of the fruit should have a fruity smell when it's ready to pick and eat.
Harvesting ripe melons
Don't harvest melons before they are ripe, they will not get sweeter, although they will get softer. Only cantaloupes should be pulled from the vine when ripe. If the cantaloupe doesn't slip from the vine when pulled, leave until it is ready. Other types of melons should be cut from the vine so that a wound isn't created by pulling that can quickly destroy the quality of the melon.
For more info: This is one in a series of articles to help new and seasoned gardeners alike know if the fruits and vegetables growing in their gardens and landscapes are ready to pick and enjoy. Links to more articles are listed below and more are being added regularly.
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