Watermelon
, also called
"watermelon"
in
Canada, is a fruit native to Africa.
With the pumpkin, it is one of the largest fruits of the Cucurbitaceae family, some of which can reach up to 20kg.
To discover
True or false: fight misconceptions about the garden
What are the benefits of watermelon?
Watermelon is a fruit rich in nutrients: vitamins (A, B and C), potassium (about 110 mg per 100 g of fruit), antioxidants (glutathione), lycopene and minerals.
Read alsoWatermelon: what are the benefits?
Rich in fiber and made up of nearly 92% water, watermelon is a very moisturizing and low-calorie fruit.
It is also an excellent diuretic, which alleviates water retention.
Finally, its seeds are rich in protein and magnesium.
The
National Health Nutrition Program
(PNNS) recommends eating at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day.
A portion of watermelon is equivalent to 1/6 or 1/8 of fruit, so it contributes to the proper functioning of our body.
When to plant watermelon?
Watermelon (
Citrullus lanatu
s) is a herbaceous plant that grows quite easily in the vegetable patch as well as in the garden.
Like the melon, the watermelon is round.
Green in color, it forms a creeping vine.
Read alsoGarden: how to limit the chore of watering
It flowers in spring, bears fruit in summer, and dies as winter approaches.
Watermelon sowing should take place from March to May.
To note :
Watermelon 'jubilee', 'sweet siberian or even 'orange glow', there are several varieties of watermelons that vary in size, color, texture or taste.
Where to plant a watermelon plant?
Watermelon needs heat (20°C minimum) to germinate.
If you live in a cold region, it is best to grow it under cover and start seedlings indoors, 4 or 5 weeks before planting.
Conversely, if you live in a warm region, you can sow it directly in the ground in May in holes filled with compost.
Read alsoGarden: how to make good compost?
How to plant it?
Start by sowing a few watermelon seeds in individual pots filled with potting soil.
Once the mild temperatures of May-June arrive, it is time to sow the seedlings in the ground in holes filled with compost and spaced 1 to 2 m apart depending on the variety.
Attention it will be necessary to be delicate at the time of the transplant, the roots of watermelon plant are fragile.
Finally, watermelon is a fruit that requires a lot of water, so watering must be regular.
The installation of a mulch at its foot will allow you to limit the evaporation of water.
Read alsoGarden: what are the different types of mulch?
How do you know if the watermelon is ripe?
Watermelon is an annual fruit harvested in summer, to know if it is ready to be eaten, you just have to observe it carefully.
First of all, its skin should be firm, thick, smooth and a beautiful green.
If it's shiny, it's probably not ripe enough.
Read alsoFruits and vegetables: how to accelerate their maturation?
Its weight also helps you determine its maturity, if it weighs between 3 and 4 kg, you can taste it without waiting.
Finally, we notice the maturity of a watermelon by its dry peduncle (the stem of the fruit is called peduncle).
