The scientific name for watermelon is Citrullus lanatus.
Depending on the variety, it typically takes 70 to 85 days before watermelons are ripe and ready to pick. Knowing when they are ready to be cut from the vine can be a challenge. You can't select a ripe melon simply by looking at it. However, there are several signs and characteristics that indicate when the melon is ripe. With the use of your senses and and a bit of plant knowledge, the process of selecting and harvesting ripe watermelons is a snap.
Instructions
1. Examine the curly tendrils located near the fruit's stem. These are slender stem-like structures used by climbing plants to attach themselves to a structure for support. If you notice that the tendrils are wilting, drying out and turning brown, this is an indication that the fruit is ripe and ready to harvest.
2. Turn the watermelon over and look at the ground spot. This is the side that lies on the ground. If the color is a pale white or a light green, it is not ready to be picked. If the color has changed to a creamy white or light yellow, the fruit is ripe.
3. Scratch the surface of the watermelon. If the scratching results in a dark line, the melon is not ready to pick. But, if the outer skin of the melon easily parts and you can see a green-to-white color under the rind, the fruit is ripe.
4. Look at the skin and the shape of the watermelon. Signs that the fruit is ripe and ready to be picked are that the ends are rounded, the skin is smooth and the exterior color looks dull.
5. Thump the watermelon with your knuckle. If you hear a dull, hollow and muffled tone, the fruit is ready to harvest. If you hear a metallic, ping sound, this is a sign that the melon should be left on the vine.
6. Look at the area where the stem goes into the watermelon. If the area around the stem has a few cracks and shows some brown color, this is an indication that it is ripe.
7. Remove the watermelon from the vine by cutting the stems with a sharp knife. Do not cut the stem close to the melon, leave about an inch-long stem. Avoid twisting or pulling the fruit from the vines because this can lead to stem decay.
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