Small gift watermelons, also known as mini watermelons, include varieties such as Black Beauty, Huang Xiaolan, Xiaofeng Hongmei, Te Xiaolan, Te Xiaofeng, and Super Xiaolan. These small watermelons are characterized by their compact size, with each fruit weighing between 1.5 to 3 kilograms. They mature quickly, have strong reproductive performance, and feature dark green or golden yellow rinds. The fruits are typically oval or round, with deep red or dark yellow flesh that is tender, juicy, and refreshing. Their thin yet sturdy skin makes them easy to handle, and they offer a sugar content of 12-14 degrees. These watermelons are highly adaptable, with a growth cycle of about 90 days, making them suitable for both greenhouse and open-field cultivation.
The cultivation techniques for these small watermelons are similar to those used for regular watermelons. Here are the key steps:
First, land preparation: It's best to choose fields that haven't been planted with melon crops in the past three years, ideally in a rice rotation system to reduce pests and diseases. The field should be raised into ridges with drainage ditches, about 3 meters wide. Apply sufficient base fertilizer, including 1000–2000 kg of well-decomposed organic manure, 30 kg of compound fertilizer, 50 kg of phosphate fertilizer, and 10 kg of potash. Mix this thoroughly with the soil. Adding 50–100 kg of lime can also help improve soil conditions. If organic fertilizer is abundant, the amount can be reduced accordingly, based on local farming practices.
Second, seedling raising: To ensure strong and uniform seedlings, it's recommended to use a nursery method. Soak seeds in a 50% carbendazim solution (500 times dilution) or 40% formaldehyde (150 times dilution) for 30 minutes, then rinse them 3–4 times. Soak the seeds for 6 hours, dry the outer layer, and wrap them in damp cloth. Germinate at around 28°C, similar to rice seeds. After 2–3 days, when sprouts appear, sow the seeds in nutrient soil made from a mix of paddy soil and decomposed organic manure. Cover the seedling pots with plastic film to protect against rain and maintain moisture until the seedlings emerge. Adjust temperature and humidity as needed, and cover if temperatures drop or rain becomes heavy.
Third, field management: Transplant seedlings when they have two true leaves, following local customs. Ensure the temperature is stable above 10°C, and plant at a spacing of 0.4–0.5 m within rows and 2.5 m between rows. Planting density is approximately 500 plants per mu. One week after planting, apply a 0.2% urea solution or diluted human urine as a seedling fertilizer. Water and fertilize as needed during the early growth stage. When the fruits reach egg size, apply 20 kg of compound fertilizer and 10 kg of potassium fertilizer per acre, adjusting based on local conditions.
Pruning methods vary: Two-vine pruning involves keeping the main vine and one strong side vine, suitable for close planting with 0.4 m spacing. Three-vine pruning involves topping the main vine at 5–6 leaves and retaining three side vines, suitable for sparse planting with 0.5–0.6 m spacing. After fruit set, top the vines 8–10 leaves above the fruit and remove excess foliage promptly. Turn the fruits 2–3 times during ripening to ensure even color development.
Fourth, pest and disease 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 or every other week. For viral diseases, use 70% mancozeb zinc wettable powder (800x), Shuangling Manganese Zinc (500x), or 64% Fenamidone (600–800x). Downy mildew can be controlled with agents like Radommil, Ank, or Metalaxyl-Manganese Zinc. Anthracnose is managed with Mancozeb or Shibaoke. Insect pests like locusts, thrips, red spider mites, and cutworms can be controlled using Imidacloprid, Rice Acaricide, or Kaiwei 167.
Finally, timely harvesting: Small gift watermelons can be harvested 25–29 days after pollination, while gourds take about 22–25 days. Harvesting at the right time ensures optimal flavor and quality.
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