watermelons have white to yellow areas on top

Question

Some of my citrus sweets and jubilees are whitening and yellowing on the top where they are exposed to sunlight. The tendrils are turning brown but the bottom of the watermelons are still white. We have had some very hot weather here, 95-100 degrees daily. Is the white to yellow appearance on top of the watermelon an indication of ripeness or sunburn? Not sure if I should go ahead and pick them, particularly since the bottom is still white. The crimson sweets look to be 20 to 25 pounds and the jubilees are 35 to 40 pounds.

Thanks,

Michael in Charlotte, NC

Answer 1

Yes, what you describe is most likely sunscald. Here's an article with more information on sunscald:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/sunscald-on-plants.htm

Happy gardening!