How to tell if your watermelon is ripe in 5 seconds

A quick reliable way to tell if your watermelon is ripe.

[@scottglover4025]

Having commercially grown and picked thousands of watermelons in my life the tendril is one indicator pickers use to initially calibrate their eyeballs when they begin picking. As a watermelon ripens its skin colors will become duller and will take on a more waxy appearance and at the same time develop little goosebumps on its surface. If raised in contact with the soil the melon will generally have some areas of black dots on its belly that we called pepper and the belly color will generally develop a more yellow or cream color as it ripens. The traditional seeded watermelons, which sadly now many people have never seen, would belly out or go from a stove pipe appearance to a pronounced egg shape once it was ripe. As far as the fake seedless melons you see in stores now, I could probably tell you if one is no good but I doubt if I could tell you if one is good. Big watermelons like we used to grow and that people wanted are not in the stores anymore because the big chains will not buy them due to fears some one might sue for hurting their back trying to pick one up. The stores used to want a 32 lb average for watermelons you sold them, now they won't accept anything above 20 lbs. Most city folks have never had or seen a good watermelon. If you want a good watermelon get it at a farmers market or drive into melon country and buy one at a roadside stand and be prepared to spit some seeds. By the way, the fellow in the video needs to spray his melon vines with some fungicide or they won't be around much longer.

[@leonlowenstadter9223]

I would agree! Funny to see that's the same all around the globe. Here in Germany seedcontaining melons (melons usually are grown in Spain or Italy) are still seen every now and then but I think customers prefer convenience over taste.

[@billwelch9431]

What kind of organic fungicide would you recommend?

[@williambixby3785]

The altered melons don’t even taste the same to me. I mean it’s still watermelon, but that’s like eating a yellow one, they all have a particular flavor… I grew up on a farm and spitting seeds as I ate my slice and that’s the only way I like mine lol!

[@ragnarflorida]

If you find a seeded 1 , collect the seeds and plant them .

[@terran5569]

As a kid, long ago, we would buy our watermelons off of the back of a flatbed truck piled high with giant Texas watermelons and everyone would have that ear-to-ear red watermelon smile. I personally would swallow half of the seeds. Grandma said if I didn't spit them out a watermelon plant would grow out of my ear. Not true!

[@brittneyrussell1766]

When it comes to picking a ripe one in the store push with your thumb on the "button" that's the opposite where the vine was attached. If it gives any then it's good to eat. The more you can push it in the riper it is. If you can push it in a lot it may be too ripe. If it doesn't budge at all it's typically not ripened enough. This always works!

[@ChristyJ]

That pot idea is brilliant! Thank you!

[@trixserv]

Simple explanation and love how you showed samples of different stages of ripeness. Thanks!

[@timothyshanley1132]

Direct to the point, and no filler that was a perfect example, thx so much

[@laurap1647]

I checked my gardens right after your clip and followed your helpful suggestion. They were ripe according to you- and they were perfectly ripe. 🥰 Thank you

[@TinMan445]

Only thing I would add to this is you get a much cleaner red to green rind if you let the melon cord dry up after the tendril. Typically when the tendril dries up you know you can turn your watering way down and let the plant pour all its nutrients into the fruit

[@truenorth2275]

Best to wait like a week after tendril has completely dried out

[@loyweaver2978]

We always waited until the vine near the melon started to turn lite brown. Much riper, redder and ready to eat.

[@Mygardenspace]

Thank you for the video! Very good information. I’m a first time watermelon grower and your explanation of the tendril is perfect.

[@evelenejohnson7148]

I watched your video and all the ripen signs were there, but the watermelon was light pink/some red . Are there a type of watermelon that doesn't get completely red.

[@joshflener3359]

@@evelenejohnson7148 yes a few actually.. orange tendersweet to name one

[@crackfuct2001]

Me too, 1st time grower, very helpful video!

[@Itried20takennames]

As a tween, I decided to container grow a watermelon on my parents damp, oak-tree shaded deck (it was pre-Internet, and I didn’t know better). It did okay as far as leaf growth, but made one sorry little “watermelon” the size of a lemon, which was really adorable.

[@davidulvestad2944]

Very good explanation. Me and my dad have a pretty big watermelon farm and we've learned a few ways to tell when they are ready as well. Of course, it depends entirely on what variety the watermelon is, but I can give you some general advice. PS: numbers 2 and 3 are the only good ways to tell when the watermelon is ready, not including the tendril you covered in this video. Numbers 1 and 4 are "do not waste your time" things. 1. Knocking on it: Throughout thousands of watermelons of different varieties, we have not found that to tell us anything useful as they all have different sounds regardless of if they're done or not. 2. Checking the spoon: Checking the spoon if a good way to tell if a watermelon is done or not. The spoon is located around where the tendril is and will dry up when the watermelon is done growing similarly to the tendril. The spoon looks like a small leaf unlike any other watermelon leaf. 3. Squishing the butt. Squishing the butt of the watermelon tests if the watermelon is done growing as well. The butt will be squishy when the watermelon still has room to grow, and the butt will be stiffer when the watermelon is done growing. The butt is located at the opposite end of the watermelon as where the stem connects to it. It's got a black spot around where the butt is. 4. Checking the bottom: Checking the bottom is a pretty bad way to check if a watermelon is ripe. The bottom looks more yellow or white because it doesn't get sunlight, or it has been sitting in water. It tells nothing. Also, the watermelon you picked in this video is not ripe. It's very obvious to tell for me. It didn't split open when you cut it because the watermelon was hot, it split open because it had too much water. Maybe it rained too much, or maybe you watered it too much. A good way to try to prevent your watermelon plants from getting too much water is to put the plants themselves in mounds of dirt that measure 1 foot off the ground. Of course, too much water leads to them getting overripe, but if that's the case, it's because you didn't pick it in time. I bet you didn't check the spoon or the butt when you picked the watermelon for this video. Also, you don't need to put the watermelon in the plant buckets if you lay black plastic over everything. Over were the plants come out of the ground (of course cut a hole for the plant to come out of the plastic, and over everywhere where the watermelon plant might reach its leaves. This prevents weeds and dirt from getting on the plant. Also eliminates a lot of bugs. Also, might want to try a different variety. Good luck!

[@dirtygnomesgardens1667]

Thank you so much for this post! Great info!!

[@rosskstar]

Will they continue to ripen after you pick them, like other fruit?

[@davidulvestad2944]

@@rosskstar No. They stop when you pick them. That’s why you gotta eat it in like a week

[@TD-nf1qo]

If only I had watched this before picking my first watermelon last week! The middle was pink-ish, the rest was green. No flavor whatsoever, but I ate it anyway... this is so helpful, thank you!

[@joryjones4911]

Same lol

[@vaccinefraud5570]

I tell myself that they're oversizec cucumbers so that I don't get disappointed when they're not sweet.

[@blackkennedy3966]

@@vaccinefraud5570water melons are just sweeter cucumbers anyway they’re related and there are watermelon cultivars that aren’t sweet used just like cucumbers as a vegetable

[@leonarddaneman810]

The yellow patch means the watermelon was allowed to ripen while on the ground, not picked too early.

[@minionkevin6623]

Great video! I kept reading about it, but no one was explaining it. You had lots of good examples. Thanks for taking the time to make the video!

[@dirtygnomesgardens1667]

Awesome. So glad it helped.

[@philmatthews3537]

'Watermelon being almost synonymous with having a garden'... literally never heard that before.

[@happinessishealthnature4370]

This is the best “when is watermelon ripe” explanation, quick & easy tutorial… Thanks!!

[@edwardverduzco88]

The best wisdom is usually short, straight forward, and all encompassing. Kudos to you watermelon whispering guru! Can't wait to upload that into my kids brains. They'll probably pick up a cush dream job by dropping that hack on a rediculously rich CEO. Thanks!

[@michelemaliano7860]

I don’t care if my neighbors think I’m crazy. It keeps them out of my business. 😂

[@ryetea400]

Thank you for being direct and not having a lot of filler. I was standing out in the Texas sun because my bf didn't want me to pick it without proving it was ripe.

[@meatman2024]

Straight to the point no fluff

[@donnavorce8856]

The resonance of the thump is my method. But I'm watching yours. It's always good to have more than one arrow in the quiver!

[@chrisrawls3766]

Best watermelon video on KZbin. Short and to the point. A+. Ty for sharing your experience!

[@Marie-or6hz]

This is a simple, yet completely accurate way. Thank you for posting this, and making it easy for the rest of us. Peace and bountiful blessings.

[@ricsgarden7394]

Its not accurate. That melon isnt close to ripe.

[@libido7110]

@@ricsgarden7394thanks u are right

[@acrad7187]

Thank you! I’ll know what to look for now when my watermelons get close.

[@wolfwalker5924]

Thank you. Short, sweet, and to the point.

[@FurFeathersandFlowers]

I've watched several videos tonight of people harvesting these unripe, LOL. Yours was the first with it ripe and of course explaining how to determine whether it is ready or not. Thank you, have seeds coming and will be trying this plant for the first time this year. Oh btw, to hell with what others think while you meddle in your garden!

[@janethsigrest7622]

Thank you for the idea on identifying ripe watermelon.

[@LB-vl3qn]

Thanks for the tip. It looks like you may have made the same mistake I did in overwatering your watermelon. At least yours waited until you brought in inside to crack open. I found mine gaping open, cracked from stem to stern right out in the garden. You grew some very nice watermelons. ~ Lisa

[@Dimension855]

Trying my best to not crack mine, I have one that's light green almost yellow looking an hard to press a nail into it but the little tandral is still green very tempting to pick 😢. Then there is one on vine that is dark green an soft you put your finger nail in easy

[@LB-vl3qn]

@@Dimension855 Best of luck to you! I hope your watermelons are delicious. ~ LIsa

[@benedicttokauwarwakai2953]

Thank you so much. I planted my watermelon garden and I continue to make mistake with harvesting unripe ones. The enlightening video has correctly showed me how to identify a ripe watermelon.

[@emilygossman7440]

Thank you! Well explained! helped out a lot for us to see if our melons are ready!

[@dorismailloux4666]

Helpful & concise info! Thanks. I’m a new cropper so this was gold for me!

[@jimevans5733]

Tried it last evening in our patch. Was the perfect ripe melon. Thanks for the info.

[@jenjohnson2984]

Thank you for this. First time growing watermelons and can’t wait for a ripe one!

[@diann546]

I cut a melon with a brown tendril last year. It was still green.

[@weilihuang1769]

Funny how your video just popped up after I picked my first watermelon half an hour ago. Luckily there are still two Mellon’s on the vine to wait for the best time to harvest by your tip. Many thanks!

[@taramollerus1792]

Thank you !!! Our first time growing this was so helpful ! Just pulled out first one and it is ripe and soooo sweet !!!

[@MySuewho]

Super helpful! Best explanation I've ever heard. Thank you.

[@ast4613]

You are right about the ripening but the best method is when you see the watermelon garden sitting (stopping its vibrancy).

[@jasonlagasse3623]

Thought my wife was yelling to me in the background at the end and was really confused when I realized she wasn't home.

[@medahenderson3055]

Dude, if your neighbors think you're "crazy" or weird for checking your watermelons and garden- you need new neighbors! That's silly

[@mickyskickreviews4826]

It made sense to me lol

[@floydholder597]

Pretty much my same thoughts, why worry about ignorant neighbors when it affects the quality of the food on your table?

[@G.G.G.zone7]

Because people have anxiety which make thoughts like this.

[@jerex112]

He’s making a joke about the neighbors… are you guys boomers or just retarded?

[@rebeccaspratling2865]

​@@G.G.G.zone7yes it's a response to your childhood but it's not healthy. Gotta evolve. 🙏

[@eCitizen1]

I've been growing watermelon for years and never knew that. Thanks

[@tenbears2335]

Awesome advice. Can't wait to test it.

[@Golden-dog88]

Watermelon + frezzer= MOST NATURAL BEST SUMMER FRUIT ICEBLOCK

[@johnnyharris4198]

Thank you so much for your video I just subscribe I planting watermelon had no idea when it would be ready truly thank you for your knowledge❤

[@andielliott7721]

Just what I needed to know at just the right time! Thank you.

[@tennesseelady999]

Thank you. As old as I am. I'm still learning something every day.

[@jayalldayism]

So glad I found your video! Can’t wait to check my two melons in the morning lol already made the mistake of thumping one thinking it was ready and it wasn’t 😩

[@annedotcom5119]

Thank you! So glad I saw this ... It was the difference between an 8lb watermelon that was not ripe and a 38.8lb perfectly ripe watermelon!!! Thanks!

[@annacalubiran4668]

thank you. best, most helpful explanation ever!🍉

[@zman5970]

I love the melon in a planter ! I lose so many to soil rot!! Great idea!😊

[@dirtygnomesgardens1667]

Yes! I did it because I had rats eating them but it kept them from rotting too.

[@MrAllan9]

That was great advice, thank you. 👌

[@JeffMartinez648]

Best watermelon video on KZbin! Thank you.

[@user-ok4ql8nw6q]

Btw, home grew watermelons are very sweet even if they are pink inside, not red.

[@user-cv1xe9yf3f]

After the tendril turns completely brown give it another week. Check the bottom for a cream yellow spot not a white spot.

[@mikeash7428]

I like how you put them in pots. I'm going to go check the tendrils and put mine in pots.

[@XTheGabsterX]

very informative thank you. I didn't know u could grow them in somethin that small. I'm def going to try that out, Thank you.

[@joek511]

TY very much. All this time I thought people were talking about the other end of the mellon. They never showed what you did. They just say check the end of the mellon, make sure it's dry. Going to check mine now, got a realy big one

[@8thcelisabeth]

Great idea with the pots.

[@samanthagastineau7714]

That was very educational. Thank you!

[@waynemorgan1577]

I picked watermelons growing up one summer. The way to tell is to look at the stem. If it is brown then it is ripe.

[@marninacollins6449]

Awesome video. To the point and super informative. Thank you

[@michellesnively7637]

Great explanation! Thank you

[@theuwfarm9148]

Thanks for this simple solution! I can show students this handy trick or skills!

[@cheyj.9610]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@julayalo9860]

Perfect, thanks so much this is my first year growing them

[@switchofftogettagrip1400]

Been considering growing Watermelons, since my dog will probably think its a soccer ball or something, Your pot idea overcomes that issue, I would grab the phone out if my dog decided it was a soccer ball !

[@heidibear44]

Thank you, exactly the simple information I needed.

[@user-fq4ij8ez7w]

Thank You so much, I learned a lot.

[@JIMMYJREVIEWS_thaiM-A-F-I-A]

5 seconds on KZbin is 3 minutes & 49 seconds. AMAZING!

[@darralpphillips]

Awesome thats is clear advice. Also I had a lot of problems with rats because I live next a river. I caged my patch but it didn't stop them. I like the pot idea cause I can mesh the top of the pot to keep them off the melons. Thanks from South Yunderup Western Australia 👍

[@davidelkinton]

If you use bird mesh please make sure to keep it off the ground. Lizards get stuck in it and it’s a terrible death. My ex wife did it after I warned her and I found 8 beautiful little blue belly’s dead. Told her again and cleaned it up. 3 days later she had done the same thing and there was 4 that time. I felt so terrible. I’ll never ever forget that lesson.

[@darralpphillips]

@@davidelkinton Ok Thanks

[@JeffTheHokie]

They tunneled into at least half of my winter squash last year.

[@ronallens6204]

Interesting. Always waited for the stem to start to dry, this way lookes more reliable for early picking. As for store bought, there is no relyable method i have found to find a ripe (not over or under) ,, tired of dry or grainy ones, even harder is to find a sweet one... met an ole timer who told me the reason its hard to find sweet ones is they need to have lime applyed as the vine fruits to make them sweet. A coupke years ago i got a rattlesnake mellon so sweet it was like eating watermellon candy, the sweetest one i ever had of any variety i have eaten.

[@libido7110]

Like ur pfpf

[@ladylucifera]

This is Amazing! Thank you soooo much!🍉😋

[@farmtalk491]

Wow, it really worked. I didn't think any of my watermelons would be ripe yet but went to check just to see if I could find that curly thing. I found one that was a dry stick and thought, that video said that means ripe, but it seems kind of small. I picked it, thinking the chickens would be grateful if it didn't work. But it was ripe. It might have needed a few more days, but was sweet enough. Thanks. I don't know why this isn't common knowledge.

[@lynseychinnery5707]

Fantastic! I have watermelon (1st time) and this is super helpful. 😊 thanks!

[@justrelaxing1501]

For the rest of us who go to the supermarket to buy a watermelon, just slap it and judge if it sounds good. Takes practice.

[@charleywalker2982]

Thanks for sharing your videos and keep them coming please.

[@ekellz100]

Super helpful, thank you!

[@williambixby3785]

You also need to look for the webbing in the darker green part of the Mellon

[@Jsternshow]

Look for a nice bright yellow spot on the bottom where it is in contact with the soil

[@debbiemullins9614]

Thank you. It worked for us. Good job

[@slapurmom5667]

That beats everything else I've heard makes sense thank you

[@radamy612]

Thank you so much!! Great video

[@naturezangmo5491]

Very useful and thanks for the wisdom

[@dianea2400]

I never knew. Thank you so much.

[@kllisk]

been needing that information THANKS

[@wesfrench1638]

Thank you, great explanation

[@clarkl4177]

Whoa! Nice timing--was just about to get mine off the vine WITH NO IDEA how to test ripeness-- except it's been "long enough". I will now go check ✅ Just one question: how'd you figure this out 🧐

[@rindamubarik1881]

I look crazy sitting outside my watermelon patch watching this show as my neighbors watch lol

[@dirtygnomesgardens1667]

Haha, I love it.

[@alba81rm]

Thanks heaps for that brother I can't believe how simple that is,,

[@lujitsu1251]

That’s awesome. Thank you.

[@frankaaaa384]

Wow, 😳😳😳😳where have this channel been? Thank you and I’m subscribing now.😄😄😄😄😄

[@kathyallen7964]

Thanks for the info!

[@stellachipembele3147]

Aww wow! So happy to learn

[@DianeMountford]

GENIUS! thank you so much!

[@disturbedzombie]

Don't think I ever seen a tendril or whatever in the grocery store so idk what to do now. I love watermelon yum

[@JaneCooke-jt8nv]

This was the most detailed video on how to pick a watermelon. It was EXACTLY what I needed. Thank You for such detailed instructions.

[@mommiedearest5337]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@smokedbrisket3033]

Fantastic. Just checked, and I had 2 ripe melons in the garden. Tiger baby and sugar baby, both pretty tasty.

[@JulesGardening]

Nicely explained.