How Many Watermelons Per Plant Usually Grow? 8 Tips for Maximizing Your Harvest

The number of watermelons each plant can grow depends on various factors, including the variety, plant spacing, and available water. Your goals also play a significant role. If you aim to produce a single large watermelon for a county fair exhibit, removing extra fruits focuses the plant’s energy on developing one impressive fruit. However, if your priority is maximizing yield, there are methods to encourage multiple fruits per plant. These tips will guide you on determining how many watermelons to retain per plant and optimizing melon growth with or without pruning.

How Many Watermelons Per Plant?

In optimal conditions, watermelon plants can yield massive fruits exceeding 50 pounds, though the average fruit weighs about 20 pounds. Typically, each watermelon vine can support two to four average-sized fruits or one to two larger melons.

To grow a prize-winning watermelon, focus on one fruit per plant by pruning away all but the strongest. For standard-sized fruits, pruning is only necessary if the plant becomes overloaded with fruit.

Early in the season, watermelon plants may produce surplus mini melons, which they often shed naturally without intervention.

Pruning Watermelons for Larger Fruit

Avoid pruning excess melons too early in the season. Allow the plants time to naturally drop extra fruits. Pruning prematurely risks removing developing fruit buds, potentially leading to further fruit drop and reduced yields.

Wait until the watermelons start filling out before deciding to prune. Use clean pruning shears to trim away smaller or damaged melons, cutting close to the main stem. Handle vines gently to avoid damage and tears.

Avoid pruning during wet weather to minimize disease spread.

After removing surplus melons, trim back damaged or yellowing leaves and stems. Cut away non-fruiting side shoots sprouting from the main stem. This pruning approach opens up the plant’s center, reducing issues like powdery mildew, and directs the vine’s energy toward growing larger, healthier fruits.

Tips for Successful Watermelon Growth

Ensure consistent watering, adequate spacing, and nutrient-rich soil to support optimal fruit development.
Monitor plants closely for signs of pests and diseases, addressing issues promptly to maintain plant health.
Consider trellising or supporting vines to manage space efficiently and prevent fruits from touching the ground.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage your watermelon plants to achieve either a single large fruit or maximize yields of standard-sized watermelons.