Wanting to taste a ripe watermelon, we head to the markets or supermarkets. But in this case, there is no guarantee that the purchased product will not harm our health. This is precisely what forces many to think about the possibility of growing such a crop in their personal plot. And here the issues of the agrotechnical plan become relevant. Not everyone knows if there is a need to pinch watermelonshow it is done correctly. Meanwhile, experienced gardeners assure that breeding watermelons is no more difficult than growing tomatoes.
Why do I need to pinch watermelon seedlings in the open field?
Watermelon is considered an exotic berry, must be grown in greenhouse conditions or outdoors in areas with favorable climates.
In addition to all the features of planting and growing, there is a procedure for pinching watermelons... This process in essence resembles pinching of seedlings of other crops (melon, sweet bell pepper, etc.).
It allows the fruit to ripen faster, gain sweetness and juiciness.
Attention: if cultivation is carried out in a greenhouse, then pinching is allowed not to be carried out. It is considered mandatory for the northern regions.
Pinching this berry allows it to direct all its energy to the formation of fruits, and not to build up excess green mass.
During such an operation, two or three ovaries remain on the shoot, a limited number of fruits and shoots develop on the plant.
What varieties need pinching
The pinching is performed based on the cultivated variety and climatic conditions. The procedure is mandatory for large varieties, an example of which can be considered "Astrakhansky".
Varieties that require a lot of sunlight and warmth ripen quickly and are considered quite tasty. In our areas, the cold comes early, so it is necessary to help the plants ripen while the days are warm.
When pinching such watermelon varieties, it is recommended to leave one berry at a time so that they gain taste, weight and fully ripen.
For clarity, the features of pinching varieties are displayed in the table:
Growing area | Variety | Pinching features |
Northern | Helen, Twinkle, Sugar Kid, Dolby | One or two fruits must be left on the shoot |
Southern | Chill, Nice | It is allowed to leave up to four fruits |
How to carry out the procedure for pinching watermelons: a diagram
Some gardeners think that such a procedure can harm the plant, completely ruining the crop. But if you adhere to the established requirements, then the yield will only increase.
It is recommended to study a few basic rules and a pinching scheme:
- watermelons grow mainly on the main shoot;
- no more than four ovaries are left for each bush;
- when forming the first ovaries, the lashes are processed;
- removal of the main bud... This should not be done, since it is already known that it is the main shoot that bears fruit;
- shoot removal... The procedure is mandatory, since it allows all the forces of the plant to be directed to the formation of the crop;
- removal of sterile shoots... This is done after pollination has passed and the ovary has appeared, which should be left in an optimal amount. The bush must be inspected weekly, removing the lateral shoots to allow the berries to grow to the desired size;
- pinching of skeletal stems... In this case, lateral lashes remain on the main shoot. An ovary of fruits appears on them, but shoots must be removed from the main stem. In total, no more than six fruits should remain on the plant, two per whip.
Pinch the top for three leaves... The excess processes are removed with scissors. Branching the bush allows you to get a good harvest. The optimal amount of leaves remaining helps the plant to feed and prevents it from drying out.
Pinching is performed in sunny weatherso that the injured area can dry out quickly. On rainy days, rot may appear, and the likelihood of diseases will increase.
Pinching a watermelon after setting the fruit:
How to properly form watermelon lashes
To successfully grow watermelons in mid-latitude areas, it is necessary to correctly form a bush. There are three main methods for this:
- On the main shoot of the plant three berries remain if the variety is large-fruited, and no more than six ovaries when the watermelon is smaller. The lateral processes remain without ovary, there are only four large leaves, the rest of the shoot is pinched. Such lashes will help the plant to eat well. When the fruits begin to gain weight, the lower shoots are gradually removed.
- Side lashes are removed from the bush, the ovary on the main stem remains after five leaves. It is recommended not to forget that during the growth period, the bushes can give out new stepchildren. They are also cut off, periodically examining the plant.
- Experienced gardeners leave side lashes, because this is where the berries are formed. But from the main shoot, the entire ovary is removed. After waiting for the bush to gain weight and begin to form the first inflorescences, leave from four to six flowers, depending on the type of plant.
Formation of watermelons in the open field:
There should be one or two fruits per lash... All left shoots are pinched, leaving three to four leaves above the ovary. Excess stepchildren are carefully removed with scissors.
As soon as young watermelons begin to gain weight, all pinching procedures must be stopped. The plant begins to gain strength.
If you overdid it, and by the time the berries grow, a small amount of foliage remains on the bush, it is recommended to pinch the shoot itself, located above the fruit.
This measure will help provoke the formation of new leaves that each plant needs for normal development.
The pinching option is selected based on cultivated variety, conditions and climate. The appropriate technique is determined experimentally.
For the first time, several bushes are planted, on each of which one of the types of pinching is used. At the end of the season, the yield is compared and the appropriate conclusions are drawn.
After such events the harvest on your melon will always grow rich and tasty.