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Have you ever tasted a bitter gourd? Or ever had a taste of a cucumber that was not properly watered? They are both bitter but the difference is this, one finds its true essence in its bitterness therefore it has to be bitter in fact the more bitter the more healthier and richer while the other one tastes bitter as a result of cultivation problems. The nature of a bitter gourd is to be bitter and when it’s not as bitter, there’s a problem. Sometimes when it’s too bitter, you’ll almost conclude that this one matured well. We are not discussing bitter gourds, but this is just an illustration to help you understand that when a plant does not take its natural form, there’s a problem with it.
In the case of watermelons they vary in species. However, they are not known to be neutral fruits, some are sweeter than others, but they are naturally sweet fruits. Watermelons naturally contain a type of sugar called FRUCTOSE also known as fruit sugar which makes them naturally sweet. This sugar is not harmful and can be consumed by even diabetic patients however whatever is taken in excess loses its essence and becomes harmful. When a watermelon is not as sweet as it should be according to its species, there’s a problem.
In this article we’d be discussing the reasons why the watermelon doesn’t come out as sweet as it should be and also ways to improve its sweetness, to facilitate purchase in the market and increase it’s nutrient content.
- Watermelons require enough supply of water at the initial stage of growth to encourage root development and vine spread. But once it’s approaching fruiting stage, water supply should be reduced and this is because excess watering at this stage would dilute the fructose that had initially been formed and reduce its concentration which automatically reduces the sugar. Consistent watering at the fruiting stage makes the fruit come out less sweeter.
- Harvesting before complete ripening. Many at times, farmers make the mistake of thinking size is maturity, although it’s a factor, but it would be unwise to consider it as the only factor especially when demand is high. Harvesting at this stage cuts short the final process of fructose saturation in the fruit, thereby reducing its sweetness.
- Poor soil fertility. Water melon thrives best in a sandy loam soil but even at that, prior to planting, an adequate amount of fertilizer ought to be infused in the soil to promote growth. Adequate amount of fertilizer at the initial stage of planting and top dressing before harvest increases the secretion of fructose in the fruit, and if this is not done, may reduce the sugar level in the fruit.
- High temperature. Water melons thrive best in humid conditions and hot temperatures. This weather condition helps to promote the concentration of the fructose and make it more sweet. If the watermelon is planted during cold temperatures, they will most likely come out less sweet.
Having discussed some of the reasons why the watermelon might not turn out as sweet as it should be, here are some tips to help improve its sweetness.
- Mix boron with water and spray at the base of your plant and also the leaves once the vine starts to wander. This mineral helps to boost fructose production and increase the chances of flower production which in turn encourages quick fruit production.
- Young watermelon plants require a lot of water for vine production and root development. However once fruiting starts, water application should be minimal because excess water at this stage dilutes the sugar and reduces the sweetness. So at the fruiting stage, the less water the sweeter the watermelon.
- Exposure to heat and sun improves the sweetness.
- Use an adequate amount of compost manure prior to planting and top dress 3-4 week after planting to provide more nutrients and extra heat which in turn facilitates fructose concentration.
Watermelons are often consumed alone and its essence is in its sweetness. They have a lot of health benefits, one is that it aids digestion and supplies the body with natural sugars.