Watermelons are a delicious summer fruit that many people look forward to enjoying during the warmer months. While full-sized watermelons can be difficult to judge when it comes to ripeness and knowing when they are ready to cut open and eat, mini watermelons take a lot of the guesswork out of the process. Still, it is important to know what signs to look for to determine when your mini watermelon is at peak ripeness for harvesting and eating. Here is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about identifying when mini watermelons are ready to be picked and cut open.
What are Mini Watermelons?
Mini watermelons, also sometimes called icebox melons, are a smaller variety of watermelon. While regular watermelons can weigh anywhere from 20-30 pounds on average, mini watermelons are much smaller, with an average weight of 5-15 pounds. The rinds of mini watermelons also tend to be thinner than full sized melons. Additionally, mini watermelons tend to be nearly seedless, unlike conventional watermelons which have numerous large seeds scattered throughout the flesh. Some common varieties of mini watermelon include:
- Sugar Baby
- Extazy
- Mickylee
- Mini Love
- Little Baby Flower
The smaller size of mini watermelons makes them perfect for individuals or small families rather than needing to cut into a massive full-sized melon. The sweet taste and juiciness is the same, they are just more manageable in terms of having leftover cut fruit. Mini watermelons also ripen faster than larger varieties, going from flowering to ripe and ready for picking in just 70-90 days.
When is a Mini Watermelon Ripe?
Mini watermelons are ripe and ready for cutting when they have developed full color and flavor. Ripe mini watermelons will feel heavy for their size and have a colored rind with some spotting. The spotting occurs as the melon ripens from the ground up. The field spot should be a creamy yellow or have changed from white to yellow if the melon has a light colored rind.
The timing for ripeness depends on the variety, but generally mini watermelons are ready for harvest 1-2 weeks after the rind has developed its full color. It takes around 2-4 weeks after pollination for the rind to start changing color, so start checking around 6 weeks after flowering for signs the melons are nearing ripeness.
The tendril opposite where the melon attached to the vine is also an indicator of ripeness. When this tendril near the stem starts to turn brown and die, it signals the fruit is almost ripe. The tendril will remain green until the watermelon is ripe.
Things to Look For
Here are the key signs that indicate a mini watermelon is ripe and ready to cut:
- Spotted or Creamy Rind – A fully colored rind with yellowish cream spots indicates ripeness. The rind may also take on a dull or matte look rather than shiny.
- Firmness – Pressing gently on the blossom end of the watermelon should depress slightly. It should be firm but have some give.
- Heavy for Size – Heft the melon in your hand. The heavier it feels, the riper it is.
- Tendril Near Stem is Brown – The dried brown tendril signals the melon is ripe.
- Full Color Rind – Whether green, striped, or yellow, the rind should be fully colored without white or green patches.
- Sound – Thumping a ripe melon makes a deep, low sound rather than a metallic ring.
Things to Avoid
Some signs that indicate a mini watermelon is not yet ready for cutting include:
- Undercolored rind lacking spots or cream
- Shiny rind rather than dull
- Rind feels hard and resistant when pressed
- Light in weight when picked up
- Tendril by stem still green
- White or green patches on rind
- Higher pitched, metallic thump sound
- Soft spots or bruising
- Cracking near stem
- Dents or sunken flat sides
Letting the mini watermelon continue ripening on the vine for 1-2 more weeks after these signs are noticed will usually allow it to fully develop peak texture and taste.
When to Harvest
Mini watermelons should be harvested based on signs of ripeness rather than strict days from planting. However, you can start checking for ripeness around 6 weeks after the time of flowering and pollination.
The best time to pick mini watermelons is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of mid-day. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the vine a few inches away from the fruit rather than pulling or twisting the melon off the vine.
How Long Do They Last After Picking?
An uncut ripe mini watermelon will typically last around 2-3 weeks if stored properly after harvesting. Leave 3-4 inches of stem attached and store unwashed melons in a cool place around 55-60°F. Do not refrigerate melons before cutting as this can negatively affect taste and texture.
Once cut, mini watermelons will last about 5-7 days if tightly wrapped and refrigerated. Make sure to scoop out any seeds and cut away the rind to prevent the cut flesh from spoiling prematurely. Leaving the seeds in contact with the edible parts causes them to break down faster.
Cutting a Mini Watermelon
When you have determined your mini watermelon is ripe and ready for cutting, here are some tips for cutting it open:
- Wash the outer rind before cutting to avoid transferring dirt and bacteria to the flesh.
- Place the melon on a clean cutting board or other sturdy, flat surface.
- Slice a thin piece off the blossom end to create a flat base.
- Stand the melon upright and cut downwards from top to bottom following the shape.
- Slice two cuts in a cross shape.
- Open the watermelon into wedges by cutting between the initial slices.
- Cut away the rind from each wedge of edible fruit.
- Chop into chunks, cubes, or balls, removing any seeds.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serving and Storing Cut Mini Watermelon
For best flavor and food safety, serve cut mini watermelon within 3 days. Follow these storage guidelines:
- Separate the cut fruit from the rind/skin.
- Place in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate at 40°F or less.
- Use within 3 days for peak quality.
- Discard any pieces with mold or sliminess.
For easy snacking and portion control, cut up only what you plan to eat in one sitting and keep the remaining whole melons stored separately.
Ripeness Troubleshooting
Sometimes it can be tricky to determine if your mini watermelon is truly ripe and ready to cut. Here are some common scenarios and what to do:
Rind is Full Color But Not Spotted
Give it more time. Full color development is a precursor to ripening but spots/cream indicate true ripeness. Let the melon remain on the vine 1-2 more weeks.
Spots are Present But Rind is Still Mostly Green
Leave on vine longer. Partial color change means it’s almost ripe but needs more time to finish ripening. The entire rind should be fully colored without green.
Thumping Sounds High-Pitched
This indicates under-ripeness. The deep, bass thump is a sign of ripeness. A metallic, hollow ring means the mini watermelon needs more time to mature and develop sugar.
Rind is Soft
This can indicate over-ripeness and internal spoilage. Check for other signs like mold, dents, or off smells. A ripe mini watermelon rind will feel firm.
Does Not Taste Sweet When Cut
The melon was likely picked too early before sugars developed. Next time, wait for more ripeness cues like full color, spots, and tendril browning before harvesting.
With some patience and checking for the visual and textural signs of ripeness, you will be able to determine the perfect time to pick and cut into a deliciously sweet mini watermelon.
Do Mini Watermelons Need to Be Refrigerated?
Mini watermelons do not need to be refrigerated until after they have been cut open. Whole, intact melons should be left at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Once cut, mini watermelon wedges should be promptly refrigerated to prevent growth of bacteria and mold.
Refrigerating whole mini watermelons can negatively affect the texture, juiciness, and flavor. The cold temperatures break down their cell structure prematurely. Leaving cut fruit out too long does the same, making it mushy and less crisp.
For best results, store uncut melons at 55-60°F, such as a basement or other cool spot out of the sun. Then refrigerate sliced pieces in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips for Growing Sweet Mini Watermelons
Getting your mini watermelons to ripen into deliciously sweet fruits involves proper care throughout the growing season. Here are some key tips:
Choose a Sweet Variety
Select a mini watermelon cultivar described as sweet, sugary, or icebox/dessert type. Good options include:
- Sugar Baby
- Extazy
- Sweet Diane
- Sorbet Swirl
- Cream of Saskatchewan
Allow Plenty of Space
Mini watermelon vines can spread 6 feet or more. Allow at least 2-3 feet between plants and 4-6 feet between rows.
Provide Sun and Heat
Melons need at least 6-8 hours of full sun and warm temperatures around 80-90°F to develop sweetness.
Use Black Plastic Mulch
Black plastic sheeting warms the soil, reduces weeds, and helps retain moisture.
Irrigate Carefully
Water consistently when top inch of soil dries out. Avoid overwatering that can dilute flavors.
Fertilize Lightly
Too much nitrogen leads to more foliage instead of fruit. Follow label rates for melons.
Control Pests
Protect vines from pests like cucumber beetles that can damage developing melons.
Harvest at Right Time
Wait for mini watermelon ripeness signs instead of picking too early. Let sugar fully develop.
Storing Whole Mini Watermelons
Properly storing freshly harvested mini watermelons helps maintain optimal texture, juice content, flavor, and shelf life before cutting. Follow these tips:
- Leave 3-4 inches of stem attached to each melon.
- Do not wash melons before storage as moisture hastens spoilage.
- Keep melons between 50-60°F in a basement or cool room.
- Avoid direct contact with cold refrigerator air.
- Store away from ethylene producing fruits like apples.
- Place melons on shelves or racks, not directly on floor.
- Turn melons occasionally to prevent flat spots.
- Check regularly and use within 2-3 weeks.
The ideal mini watermelon storage environment is a dry, moderately cool, well-ventilated space. This maintains juiciness and flavor while preventing rot and mold.
How to Pick a Ripe Mini Watermelon
It can be difficult to judge ripeness when selecting mini watermelons at the store. Follow these tips to pick a ripe and ready-to-eat melon:
- Choose mini watermelons that feel heavy for their size.
- Avoid melons with dents, cracks, or soft spots.
- Select melons with a fully colored rind based on variety.
- Rind should be dull, not shiny.
- Creamy yellow spots indicate ripeness.
- Press blossom end gently – some depression indicates ripeness.
- Lift up to smell – ripeness has a fresh sweetness.
- Thump melon – should have a deep hollow sound, not metallic.
The heavier the melon feels compared to melons of similar dimensions, the riper and juicier it is. Always inspect thoroughly and avoid damaged or cracked melons.
Conclusion
Mini watermelons are a delightfully sweet and easy to manage summer treat. Knowing when to harvest them requires looking for visual and textural signs of ripeness like spotty rinds, dried tendrils, dull skin, and a deep sound when thumped. Waiting for full ripeness ensures the flesh inside is juicy, sugary, and crisp. Storing melons properly before cutting and refrigerating after extends shelf life. With this guidance, you can enjoy perfectly ripe mini watermelons all season long.