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SeedlessWatermelon (Triploid) - Production of seedless watermelons (triploid melons) is similar to that of seeded (diploid) melons, but there are some key differences. Triploid watermelon seeds are more difficult to germinate and establish in the field, requiring a pollinator variety to be planted alongside the triploid melons. A row of the pollinator variety should alternate with every two rows of triploid melons. Field seeding is not recommended, as germination of triploid watermelon seed is inhibited at temperatures below 80º F. Additionally, triploid watermelon seeds have thicker seedcoats than normal seeded melons, which may adhere to the cotyledons during emergence, causing damage or delayed emergence.
Due to these challenges, establishing a satisfactory stand of triploid melons through direct seeding is difficult, and overseeding and thinning are not viable options because the seeds are expensive. Therefore, transplanting container-grown plants is the preferred method to establish a seedless crop. Triploid melons require pollen for fruit growth because they are sterile and produce little, if any, pollen. To address this, rows of seeded pollinator melons are planted between rows of triploid watermelons. However, it is essential to ensure that melons from the pollinator variety can be easily separated from the triploid melons during harvest, and the seeded melons must also be acceptable to buyers since about one-third of the melons will come from the pollinator.
It is crucial to have enough bees for pollination, with one strong hive (30,000 to 50,000 bees) typically able to pollinate 1 to 2 acres. The pollinator rows should be planted at the outer beds, followed by two rows of triploid melons, and then another row of pollinators. This pattern should be repeated across the field.
Production costs for triploid watermelons are higher due to expensive seed, the need for transplanting, difficulties growing transplants, and the interplanting of a pollinator variety. Growers should secure a premium price for triploid melons in advance to cover these additional costs.
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