During watermelon cultivation, it's crucial to prevent excessive vine growth, which can lead to poor fruit set. Learn the correct method for topping watermelons to optimize fruit production:
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Timing: The best time to top watermelons is when they have about 4 leaves or 4 lateral branches, which is typically around 20 days after planting. During this period of vigorous growth, topping minimizes damage to the plants.
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Method:
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First Topping: When the watermelon plant has developed 4 lateral branches, remove the growing tip above the 4th leaf or lateral branch. This promotes the development of 4 side branches while minimizing the risk of disease and wilting.
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Second Topping: After about 10 days of regrowth, remove any weak or diseased lateral branches, leaving only 2 strong lateral branches to develop into fruit-bearing vines.
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Requirements: During the fruit expansion stage, watermelon vines and leaves are dense. In addition to topping, it's essential to prune appropriately, especially during the flowering stage. If pruning has already been done during flowering, leave 2 or 3 vines without further pruning.
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Considerations: Choose a sunny day for topping to facilitate wound healing and minimize the risk of infection. Additionally, remove any side shoots that may develop at fruiting nodes to prevent competition for nutrients.
Following these techniques for topping watermelons is essential for achieving high yields and quality fruit.
