What are the characteristics of a black diamond watermelon?
Black Diamond watermelon plants produce vigorous vines, which often yield fruits weighing in excess of 50 lbs. (23 kg.). Due to the large size of fruits, gardeners can expect this plant to require a long growing season in order to harvest fully ripe melons. Mature melons have very hard rinds and sweet, pink-red flesh.
How long does it take to grow Black Diamond watermelon?
Growing Black Diamond watermelon plants is very similar to growing other varieties. Since all watermelon plants thrive in sunny locations, at least 6-8 hours of sun each day is imperative. Additionally, those wishing to plant Black Diamond will need to ensure a long growing season, as this variety may take at least 90 days to reach maturity.
What is the largest watermelon in the United States?
Flowering from July to August, the ‘Black Diamond’ watermelon is the largest edible fruit grown in the United States. Vines can grow up to 20 feet in length. Texas, Georgia, Florida and California produce about two-thirds of the watermelons in the United States.
What bugs do Black Diamond watermelons get?
Other insect concerns with Black Diamond watermelons include squash bugs, squash vine borers, aphids and flea beetles. With this in mind, Eden Brothers advises against planting Black Diamond watermelons near potato plants (Solanum tuberosum, zones 3-10) which often fall victim to the same pests.
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How do I know when my black diamond watermelon is ripe?
Monitor the color of the skin. As the Black Diamond matures, the skin turns dark green and becomes dull. The skin on the belly of the fruit, where it touches the ground, becomes a light yellow. The melon is ripe when it has a light yellow belly and dull, dark-green skin on the rest of the surface.
How long does it take to grow a black diamond watermelon?
around 90 daysBlack Diamond Watermelon Care. These large, sweet melons can take around 90 days to mature and need plenty of sunshine and water to keep them strong and healthy. These vines can grow to 20 feet in length and work best when allowed to trail along the ground.
What is the difference between a black diamond watermelon and a regular watermelon?
Black diamond watermelons look distinctly different from the green striped fruit you're used to seeing. As you can imagine, their rind is completely a dark green-black color. Black diamond watermelons have an incredibly high water content – 92%, to be exact!
How much space does a black diamond watermelon need?
Direct-seed 1 to 2 weeks after average last frost when soil is 70 F or warmer. Plant 1 inch deep, 6 seeds per hill, hills 4 to 6 feet apart; or 1 foot apart in rows 5 feet apart.
How many watermelons do you get per plant?
2-4 fruitsHow Many Watermelons per Plant? Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. The vines produce both male and female flowers. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males.
Why is black watermelon so expensive?
Found only in the northern part of Japan's Hokkaido Island, the yield of these rare watermelons is also very low. They grow only 100 pieces in a whole year. This is the reason why it is very difficult to get it in the fruit market.
What is the most expensive watermelon?
A black jumbo watermelon auctioned in northern Japan fetched a record 650,000 yen (US$6,100) Friday, making it the most expensive watermelon ever sold in the country — and possibly the world.
What is the biggest type of watermelon?
VarietiesThe 'Carolina Cross' produced the current world record for heaviest watermelon, weighing 159 kg (351 lb). ... The 'Golden Midget' has a golden rind and pink flesh when ripe, and takes 70 days from planting to harvest.More items...
What is the best tasting watermelon?
25 of the Best Watermelon VarietiesPicnic. Allsweet. Charleston Gray. Crimson Sweet. ... Icebox. Blacktail Mountain. Bush Sugar Baby. Sweet Beauty.Personal. Golden Midget. Little Darling. ... Giant. Black Diamond Yellow Belly. Carolina Cross #183. ... Seedless. Big Tasty. Mini Piccolo. ... Orange, Yellow, or White Flesh. Orange Crisp. Orangeglo.
What is the sweetest watermelon?
Sultan. Sultan is one of the sweetest varieties you'll find, this one measures 12.3 on the Brix scale. The fruits average 15 pounds and ripen within 95 days.
How do you pick a sweet black diamond watermelon?
Look for the place in which it was resting on the ground. When the melon is ripe, this area of the rind will usually have a cream-colored appearance. Black Diamond watermelon rinds will also harden when they are ripe. Try scratching the watermelon rind with a fingernail.
Can watermelon be grown in a container?
You need to choose a pot that will be large enough for your container watermelon to thrive. Watermelons grow rapidly and require plenty of water, so it is recommended that you go with a 5-gallon (19 kg) or larger size container. Make sure that the container you will be growing watermelons in has enough drainage holes.
What is so special about Black Diamond watermelon?
Black Diamond is a classic oblong watermelon with a black-green rind covering bright red, crisp, flavorful flesh. In the 1950s, Black Diamond was a very popular home garden variety. Fruits have gray-black seeds (perfect for seed spitting contests) and can grow quite large.
What is the most expensive watermelon?
A black jumbo watermelon auctioned in northern Japan fetched a record 650,000 yen (US$6,100) Friday, making it the most expensive watermelon ever sold in the country — and possibly the world.
What is the sweetest watermelon to grow?
Sultan. Sultan is one of the sweetest varieties you'll find, this one measures 12.3 on the Brix scale. The fruits average 15 pounds and ripen within 95 days.
How much does a black diamond watermelon cost?
PriceSizePriceQuantity1 Lb Mylar$21.60- +5 Lb Bulk Bag$97.20- +10 Lb Bulk Bag$172.80- +25 Lb Bulk Bag$410.40- +6 more rows
How long does it take for a black diamond watermelon to grow?
The bright red flesh is noted for its juiciness and sweet taste. Expect approximately 3 months of growth after germination before melons are ready for harvest. Black Diamond is the quintessential watermelon of summer, ...
How to tell when a watermelon is ripe?
If that portion of the watermelon is a pale yellow color, the melon should be ripe. You can also look at the tendrils (short, curly, stem-like vine) next to the melon. The tendrils are close to the area where a leaf is attached to the main vine.
How long does it take for watermelon seeds to germinate?
Keep the soil between 80-90 degrees, using a heat mat if necessary. Seed should begin to germinate within 3-10 days. Once seeds start to germinate, lower soil temp slightly to the mid 70s, for 1-2 weeks, also decreasing water.
Can you direct seed melons?
If you have long, hot growing seasons, melons can direct-seed into garden. To ensure ripening in areas with shorter growing seasons and cooler weather, choose fast-maturing varieties, start plants inside, use black or IRT plastic mulch to warm soil and use fabric row covers to protect plants.
How big do black diamond watermelon plants get?
Flowering from July to August, the ‘Black Diamond’ watermelon is the largest edible fruit grown in the United States. Vines can grow up to 20 feet in length.
How long does it take for a black watermelon to grow?
Black watermelon seeds germinate in five to seven days. The black watermelon seeds are fertile and will produce a self-pollinating vine with yellow flowers. The vine resembles cucumber or squash, and it’s part of the Cucurbitaceae family. The plants will reach maturity in 90 days.
How many grams of protein are in watermelon seeds?
A 1-ounce serving of watermelon seeds contains 8 grams of protein. The seeds contain nutrients, including calcium, folate, niacin, thiamine, magnesium and copper. A common method of preparing them at home is to roast them.
How to tell if a melon is ripe?
Finally, the best way to tell if a melon is ripe is by looking at it. Inspect the part of the fruit that sits on the ground. When the fruit’s ripe, it will appear a whitish or yellow color. Ripe fruit has a dull appearance that’s not slick or shiny.
How much does a black diamond watermelon weigh?
If you are thinking about growing black diamond watermelon (Citrullus lanatus 'Black Diamond') in a home garden, note that this heirloom variety, which features a tough, blue-green rind and red flesh, requires plenty of space because the fruits typically weigh around 50 pounds and sometimes even more. Like all watermelons, the Black Diamond is ...
How hot does it have to be to grow black diamond watermelon?
Regardless of which method you choose, keep in mind that black diamond watermelons require air and soil temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Watermelons grow best in loose, sandy soils that drain well and are fast to warm. Fabric covers can help speed the warming process.
What is the best soil pH for watermelon?
For best results, aim for a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5, advises Cornell University. Because the water content of watermelons is over 90 percent, these fruits also require consistent moisture until the fruit is set. Black Diamond watermelons grow best in full sun, which means six hours a day.
Can you plant black diamond watermelon in the same soil as cucumbers?
For this reason, you should also avoid planting Black Diamond watermelons in the same soil where members of the cucumber family, such as squash (Cucurbita, zones 3-10), zucchini (Cucurbita pepo, zones 3-9), pumpkins (Cucurbita maxima, zones 3-7) and cucumbers (Cucumis sativus, zones 4-11) have been grown in the last three years.
Can you use black plastic for watermelon?
Many crops are grown using organic mulch, but for watermelons, black plastic is a better option. It keeps the developing fruits clean and off of the ground while warming the soil and keeping weeds under control. Install it before planting or transplanting watermelons into the garden in both row and hill systems.
Do dark rinded melons need shade?
Dark-rinded melons, like "Black Diamond" may benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the day. Although heavy leaf cover will prevent burning on fruits, wind, heat-induced wilt or animals can interfere with these natural shades. Only provide cover during the hottest part of the day, removing it as soon as possible.
Can you grow black diamond watermelon indoors?
The length of the growing season where you live will therefore determine whether you should sow black diamond watermelon seeds directly into the garden bed or if you must start them indoors.
