Small gift watermelons, also known as mini watermelons, include varieties such as Black Beauty, Huang Xiaolan, Xiao Feng Hongmei, Te Xiaolan, Te Xiao Feng, and Super Xiaolan. These small watermelons typically weigh between 1.5 to 3 kilograms, are early maturing, and have strong yield performance. They feature a dark green or golden yellow rind, an oval or round shape, and dark red or dark yellow flesh that is tender, juicy, and sweet, with a sugar content of 12-14 degrees. Their thin yet tough skin makes them easy to handle, and they are highly adaptable, growing well in both greenhouse and open field conditions. The entire growth cycle takes about 90 days.
The cultivation techniques for these small watermelons are similar to those used for regular watermelons. Here are the key steps:
First, land preparation: Choose fields that haven't been used for melon crops in the past three years to reduce disease risks. It's best to use paddy field rotations. Create raised beds of about 3 meters wide with ditches for drainage. Apply sufficient base fertilizer, including 1000-2000 kg of decomposed organic manure, 30 kg of compound fertilizer, 50 kg of phosphate fertilizer, and 10 kg of potash. Mix these thoroughly with the soil. Adding 50-100 kg of lime can help improve soil pH. If organic fertilizer is abundant, adjust the chemical fertilizer accordingly based on local practices.
Second, seedling nursery: To ensure strong and uniform seedlings, avoid direct sowing in the field. Soak seeds in a 50% carbendazim solution (500 times dilution) or 40% formaldehyde (150 times dilution) for 30 minutes, then rinse 3-4 times. Soak the seeds for 6 hours and dry the outer layer before wrapping them in damp cloth. Keep them in a warm environment around 28°C for germination, similar to rice seed germination. Sow the seeds after 2-3 days of sprouting. Prepare nutrient soil by mixing paddy soil and decomposed organic manure in a ratio of 6:4. Cover the pots with plastic film to protect against rain and maintain moisture until the seedlings emerge. Adjust temperature and humidity after emergence, covering if temperatures drop or rain is heavy.
Third, field management: Transplant seedlings when they have two true leaves, following local planting customs. Ensure the soil temperature is above 10°C and space plants 0.4–0.5 m apart in rows spaced 2.5 m apart. Planting density is usually around 500 plants per mu. One week after transplanting, apply 0.2% urea solution or diluted human urine as a seedling fertilizer. Water and fertilize as needed. When the fruits reach the size of an egg, apply 20 kg of compound fertilizer and 10 kg of potassium fertilizer per acre, adjusting based on local conditions.
Pruning methods include either two-vine or three-vine pruning. Two-vine pruning involves keeping the main vine and one strong side vine, suitable for dense planting at 0.4 m spacing. Three-vine pruning involves topping the main vine at 5-6 leaves and keeping three side vines, ideal for sparse planting at 0.5–0.6 m spacing. After fruit set, top the plant 8–10 leaves above the fruit and remove excess shoots promptly. Rotate the fruits 2–3 times during ripening to ensure even color and appearance.
Fourth, pest control: Fusarium wilt can be prevented through crop rotation or grafting. Chemical treatments like 50% carbendazim (500x) or 3% Guangwa Lingshui (500–600x) can be applied weekly for prevention. For diseases like powdery mildew, use 70% mancozeb (800x), Shuangling Manganese Zinc (500x), or 72% Trifloxystrobin (1000x). For viral infections, use 64% Oxadixyl (600–800x) or 50% Anko (2500–3000x). Downy mildew can be controlled with Mancozeb, Metalaxyl-Manganese Zinc, or Ank. Insect pests such as aphids, thrips, spider mites, and cutworms can be managed using Imidacloprid, Acetamiprid, or Kaiwei 167.
Finally, timely harvesting: Small gift watermelons can be harvested 25–29 days after pollination, while gourds take about 22–25 days. Harvest when the fruit has developed its full color and flavor for optimal quality.
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