Watermelons are a beloved summertime treat, known for their sweet and juicy flesh. While traditional round watermelons are a staple of the season, there’s a growing trend that’s capturing the attention of gardeners and consumers alike: square watermelons. These novelty fruits are not only eye-catching but also practical, as their shape makes them easier to store and transport. In this article, we’ll explore how you can grow your own red or yellow square watermelons, revealing the secrets behind this unique gardening technique.

Understanding Square Watermelons:

Square watermelons originated in Japan in the 1980s as a response to limited refrigerator space in urban areas. By growing watermelons in a square mold, farmers were able to produce fruits that fit neatly on refrigerator shelves. Today, square watermelons are sought after for their novelty appeal and make for conversation-starting centerpieces at parties and events.

Choosing the Right Watermelon Varieties:

Before embarking on your square watermelon-growing adventure, it’s essential to choose the right watermelon varieties. While any watermelon variety can potentially be grown in a square shape, it’s best to select varieties known for their sweetness and flavor. Popular choices include red-fleshed varieties such as Crimson Sweet or yellow-fleshed varieties like Yellow Doll.

Creating Square Watermelons:

Growing square watermelons involves a bit of creativity and patience, but the results are well worth the effort. Here’s how you can grow your own square watermelons:

• Select Square Molds: Square molds are the key to shaping watermelons into a square shape. These molds are typically made of durable plastic and come in various sizes to accommodate different watermelon varieties. You can purchase square molds online or at gardening stores.
• Prepare the Watermelon Seedlings: Start by germinating watermelon seeds indoors or directly sow them into the garden once the soil has warmed up. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots once they have developed a few true leaves.
• Insert Seedlings into Molds: When the watermelon seedlings have grown to a suitable size, carefully insert them into the square molds. Position the seedlings in the center of the molds and gently press them into the soil.
• Monitor Growth and Support: As the watermelon plants grow, they will fill out the square molds and take on their shape. Monitor the plants regularly to ensure they are growing evenly and provide support if needed to prevent the molds from tipping over.
• Harvesting Square Watermelons: Once the watermelons have reached maturity, typically 75 to 90 days after planting, it’s time to harvest them. Carefully remove the square molds from the plants and cut the watermelons from the vines using sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Conclusion:

Growing square watermelons is a fun and rewarding gardening project that allows you to enjoy the novelty of uniquely shaped fruits. By following the steps outlined in this article and choosing the right watermelon varieties, you can successfully grow your own red or yellow square watermelons at home. Whether you’re looking to impress your friends with a one-of-a-kind centerpiece or simply enjoy the convenience of neatly shaped fruits, square watermelons are sure to delight both gardeners and consumers alike.