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To grow Jubilee watermelon, you need warm soil, plenty of sunshine, and a long growing season.
Growing Jubilee watermelon is a rewarding experience because this variety is known for its sweet, crisp, bright red flesh and tough rind.
If you’ve been wondering how to grow Jubilee watermelon successfully, you’re in the right place.
This guide will walk you through everything from planting seeds to harvesting a juicy, homegrown fruit.
How to Grow Jubilee Watermelon: The Basics
Growing Jubilee watermelon starts with understanding what this plant really needs.
Jubilee is a large, oblong watermelon variety that thrives in hot, humid conditions.
It was developed for commercial growers in the southern United States, so it loves heat and struggles in cold climates.
When you grow Jubilee watermelon, you’re committing to a plant that needs about 80 to 100 days of warm weather from seed to harvest.
1. Start With the Right Climate and Timing
Jubilee watermelon grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 11.
If you’re in a cooler region, you can still grow Jubilee watermelon by starting seeds indoors about three to four weeks before the last frost date.
The soil temperature should be at least 70°F (21°C) before you plant seeds or transplants outdoors.
2. Choose a Sunny Spot With Rich Soil
To grow Jubilee watermelon successfully, pick a location that gets at least 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watermelons love sandy loam soil that drains well but still holds some moisture.
Mix in plenty of compost or aged manure before planting to give your Jubilee watermelon the nutrients it needs to thrive.
3. Plant Seeds or Transplants Correctly
When you grow Jubilee watermelon from seed, plant them about 1 inch deep in hills or rows.
Space the hills 6 to 8 feet apart because Jubilee vines spread widely.
If you’re using transplants, handle the roots gently and set them in the ground after the last frost.
How to Grow Jubilee Watermelon: Care and Maintenance
Once your Jubilee watermelon plants are in the ground, the real work begins.
Caring for them properly is the key to a healthy harvest.
1. Water Deeply and Consistently
Jubilee watermelon needs about 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
Water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage strong root growth.
Avoid overhead watering because wet leaves can lead to fungal diseases.
As the fruit ripens, reduce watering slightly to concentrate the sugars and improve flavor.
2. Fertilize at the Right Stages
When you grow Jubilee watermelon, feed the plants with a balanced fertilizer early on.
Once flowering begins, switch to a fertilizer lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium.
This helps the plant focus on fruit development instead of just growing more leaves.
3. Control Pests and Weeds
Growing Jubilee watermelon means keeping an eye out for common pests like aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs.
Use row covers early in the season to protect young plants.
Mulch around your Jubilee watermelon vines to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
How to Grow Jubilee Watermelon: Pollination and Harvesting
Pollination is a critical step when you grow Jubilee watermelon.
Each flower opens for just one day, so bees need to visit them during that short window.
If you notice low fruit set, you can hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from male to female flowers with a small brush.
1. Know When Jubilee Watermelon Is Ripe
A ripe Jubilee watermelon has a dull, deep green rind with dark stripes that become less pronounced.
The tendril closest to the fruit turns brown and dries up.
The spot where the watermelon rests on the ground turns from white to creamy yellow.
When you thump it, you should hear a deep, hollow sound.
2. Harvest Carefully
Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the stem about 1 to 2 inches from the fruit.
Handle your Jubilee watermelon gently because bruised fruit spoils faster.
Store it in a cool, shaded spot and enjoy it within a week or two for the best taste.
So, How to Grow Jubilee Watermelon?
To grow Jubilee watermelon, give it heat, sunlight, consistent water, and rich soil.
Growing Jubilee watermelon takes patience, but the payoff is a massive, sweet fruit that tastes far better than anything from the store.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, learning how to grow Jubilee watermelon is a skill worth having.
Now you know exactly how to grow Jubilee watermelon from seed to harvest, so grab your seeds and get planting.