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Watermelons get ripe when they reach their full maturity on the vine, usually somewhere between 80 and 100 days after planting.
The tricky part is that watermelons don’t ripen much more once they’re picked, so knowing when watermelons are ripe before you harvest them is everything.
If you’ve ever wondered when do watermelons get ripe, the short answer is that they’re ready when the vine tells you so.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to tell when watermelons are ripe, the signs to look for, and the mistakes that leave you with a bland, unripe melon.
Let’s get into it.
When Do Watermelons Get Ripe?
Watermelons get ripe based on a handful of clear signals, and once you know them, you’ll never guess again.
Here’s what to check:
1. The Tendril Nearest the Fruit Turns Brown
The most reliable sign of when watermelons get ripe is the tendril closest to the fruit.
While the melon is growing, that tendril is green and curly.
When watermelons get ripe, it dries up and turns brown.
If that tendril is still green, your watermelon isn’t ripe yet, no matter how big it looks.
2. The Ground Spot Turns Creamy Yellow
Flip the watermelon over and look at the spot where it rested on the soil.
When watermelons get ripe, that spot shifts from white or pale green to a warm, creamy yellow.
A bright white spot means the watermelon is still ripening and needs more time on the vine.
3. The Skin Loses Its Shine
A ripe watermelon has a dull, matte finish instead of a glossy one.
When watermelons get ripe, the rind hardens and the shiny surface fades.
If your watermelon still looks polished, it’s probably not ready yet.
4. The Thump Sounds Hollow
Give the watermelon a firm thump with your knuckles.
When watermelons get ripe, they produce a deep, hollow sound rather than a dull thud.
This works because the inside is full of water and air pockets, which is exactly what you want.
How to Tell When Watermelons Are Ripe on the Vine
Learning when watermelons are ripe on the vine takes a bit of practice, but the vine gives you plenty of clues.
1. Watch the Days to Maturity
Most watermelon varieties mature in 80 to 100 days, though some take longer.
Keep track of when you planted and check the seed packet for your specific variety.
This gives you a rough window for when watermelons get ripe so you know when to start checking.
2. Check the Vine’s Health
As watermelons get ripe, the vine near the fruit starts to dry out and decline.
A healthy, green vine usually means the watermelon is still growing.
Once the vine begins to brown and wither near the melon, ripening is close.
3. Look at the Size and Shape
A watermelon that has stopped growing is usually close to ripe.
When watermelons get ripe, they fill out evenly and feel heavy for their size.
If the watermelon looks lopsided or feels light, give it more time.
4. Check the Webbing and Color
Some varieties develop a golden webbing pattern on the rind when they ripen.
The color also deepens and becomes more uniform as watermelons get ripe.
These signs vary by variety, so use them alongside the tendril and ground spot tests.
Common Mistakes When Picking Watermelons
Even experienced gardeners get it wrong sometimes, so here’s what to avoid.
1. Relying on Size Alone
Big doesn’t always mean ripe, and small doesn’t always mean unripe.
Some of the sweetest watermelons are on the smaller side, while giant ones can still be bland.
Size is a clue, not a guarantee, so always check the other signs.
2. Harvesting Too Early
This is the most common mistake people make with watermelons.
Once a watermelon is picked, it won’t get any sweeter, so an unripe one stays unripe.
If you’re unsure when watermelons get ripe, wait another day or two and check again.
3. Ignoring the Tendril
The tendril test is the best tool you have, and skipping it leads to disappointment.
A brown tendril plus a creamy ground spot is the closest thing to a guarantee.
Use both together and you’ll rarely pick a bad watermelon again.
4. Storing Them in the Fridge Too Soon
Watermelons lose flavor fast when chilled before they’re fully ripe.
Keep them at room temperature until you’re ready to eat, then chill for a few hours.
This keeps the texture and sweetness intact.
So, When Do Watermelons Get Ripe?
Watermelons get ripe when the tendril nearest the fruit turns brown, the ground spot turns creamy yellow, the skin loses its shine, and the thump sounds hollow.
Once you know these signs, you’ll always know when watermelons are ripe and won’t waste a single one.
So next time you’re standing in the garden wondering when watermelons get ripe, trust the vine and check the tendril first.
It won’t steer you wrong.