I have planted some watermelons how do I tell when they are ripe and ready to serve?

Question

Some of them are really big and getting new ones come in daily.

Answer 1

Many home gardeners experience difficulty in determining when watermelons are ripe. Use a combination of the following indicators:
(1) light green, curly tendrils on the stem near the point of attachment of the melon usually turn brown and dry;
(2) the surface color of the fruit turns dull;
(3) the skin becomes resistant to penetration by the thumbnail and is rough to the touch; and
(4) the bottom of the melon (where it lies on the soil) turns from light green to a yellowish color.

These indicators for choosing a ripe watermelon are much more reliable than "thumping" the melon with a knuckle. Many watermelons do not emit the proverbial "dull thud"when ripe. For these, the dull thud may indicate an over-ripe, mushy melon.

Answer 2

When the "cord" between the ground and the melon starts getting brittle, and feels ready to break off. The watermelons should come off easily. I don't know what color you have (striped, dark green) but if the bottom is very flat still it usually needs some more time to fill out

Answer 3

In general, the darker green the more ripe .. the age old test is the "thump" test. Thump them .. when they sound pretty hollow they are ready !

and oh yes ... if you are growing melons you had better LOVE melons .. and have some friends that love melons ... and some neighbors .. and some co-workers ...

melons do love to grow ... heheheheheheheh

Answer 4

this sounds weird,,but its true,(witchy stuff), pluck a broomstraw,must be from the old type broom, not these new nylon jobs, balance it on watermelon, if it spins 90 degrees,,it is ripe,,,dont believe me? try it!

Answer 5

if you think the sze is right!! GET ER DONE