Why Would My Watermelon Split Open

Question

This is my first garden and I have loads of watermelons in it, but I went to harvest one that I had been keeping an eye on–waiting for all the right signs to harvest it–and when I did today, it was split open underneath. Help, please. Why would this happen? I have a few nice ones that are not showing all the signs of being ready, but I do not want to see them split as well. . . . confused and disappointed.

Answer 1

First off good luck on your first garden. I hope all will go well. Second off there is one of two reasons how this happend. Number one your watermelon may have been eaten into by bugs such as ants, allowing other insects to come in and feed on the flesh,causing it to split. Or your watermelon may have split itself while growing wider or longer.(It depends how it was split.I have seen it with carrots and watermelons) Do not feel bad,it happens to everyone and you can prevent it, simply turn over each melon and leave it be.If it is split toss it. Also thump on each melon and as soon you hear a hallow thump you can harvest it. good luck.

Answer 2

Thank you for the advise and I did check all the other ones and no splits…but the ants are terrible here this year. I did not see any wounds on any of the other melons(happy)…..I have a total of 8 watermelon plants( Charleston Grey) and right now have around 10/12 melons from brand new ones to what appears to be around 12/15lbs, I also have pumpkins, cantaloupe, tomato, banana peppers. Thank you so much for getting back to me so fast and I will turn each of them over tomorrow as we are getting storm warning

Answer 3

Irregular watering is usually the cause of watermelon splitting. Watering a few times a week is generally all that you would need. This article will help you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/watermelon/watering-watermelon.htm

Answer 4

Thank you for the link, I have soak-er hoses in my garden and water every other day if we do not get rain….we have gotten a lot of rain in the last 10 days.but more in the way of bad storms any way I had one watermelon that had all the signs of being ripe..the dried up curly thingy and the change in color and was very big( 20lbs) as you can guess since I know the weight I picked it and couldn’t wait to cut into it and enjoy my first watermelon….. : ( it was far from being ripe…it was barely pink inside and the seeds were white although the little pink was very sweet… so now I’m stumped on how to tell if one is truly ready…I have three even bigger and the curly thingy is dried on one but I am afraid to pick it ….anyone got any suggestions…..help please…