When Do Watermelons Get Ripe

Watermelons get ripe when they reach their full maturity on the vine, usually somewhere between 70 and 100 days after planting, depending on the variety.
 
So if you’ve been wondering when do watermelons get ripe, the short answer is they get ripe when the fruit fully develops its sugars and that signature deep color on the vine.
 
Watermelons do not ripen much after being picked, which is why knowing when watermelons get ripe is so important for a sweet, juicy harvest.
 
As a watermelon matures, its flesh fills with water, sugar content climbs, and the seeds harden inside the fruit.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the signals that tell you when watermelons get ripe, how to check ripeness on the vine, and the common mistakes that make people pick watermelons too early.
 
Let’s get right into it.
 

When Do Watermelons Get Ripe on the Vine?

Watermelons get ripe on the vine, and the plant gives you several clues before that moment arrives.
 
Here are the main signs that tell you when watermelons get ripe.
 

1. The Tendril Near the Stem Turns Brown

One of the most reliable signs that watermelons get ripe is the small curly tendril closest to the fruit.
 
When that tendril dries up and turns brown, the watermelon is ripe or very close to ripe.
 
If the tendril is still green and flexible, the watermelon is not ripe yet, so give it more time on the vine.
 

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 ground spot shifts from white or pale green to a warm, creamy yellow.
 
A bright white spot usually means the watermelon still needs more time before it gets ripe.
 

3. The Skin Loses Its Shine

A young watermelon has a glossy, shiny rind.
 
As watermelons get ripe, that shine fades and the skin takes on a dull, matte finish.
 
So if your watermelon still looks slick and reflective, it probably hasn’t reached the stage where watermelons get ripe.
 

4. The Thump Sounds Hollow

Give the watermelon a firm tap with your knuckles and listen closely.
 
When watermelons get ripe, the sound comes back deep and hollow, almost like a drum.
 
A sharp, high-pitched thud usually means the fruit is still unripe and needs more days on the vine.
 

How to Tell When Watermelons Get Ripe Without Cutting Them Open

You can tell when watermelons get ripe without slicing them open by combining a few simple checks.
 
Here’s how to confirm that watermelons get ripe before you harvest.
 

1. Check the Field Spot First

Start with the ground spot, because it’s the easiest signal to read.
 
When that spot turns creamy yellow, you’re getting close to the point where watermelons get ripe.
 

2. Look at the Tendril and Stem

Next, check the tendril near the stem and the stem itself.
 
When watermelons get ripe, the tendril dries out, and the stem starts to shrink slightly.
 

3. Weigh the Watermelon in Your Hands

A ripe watermelon feels heavy for its size because it’s packed with water and sugar.
 
If a watermelon feels light, it likely hasn’t reached the stage where watermelons get ripe.
 

4. Watch for Webbing and Hard Seeds

Some varieties show brown webbing across the rind as they mature.
 
And if you do cut one open, hard dark seeds are a clear sign that watermelons get ripe properly.
 

When Do Watermelons Get Ripe After Planting?

Watermelons get ripe at different times depending on the variety you grow.
 
Smaller varieties like Sugar Baby often get ripe in about 70 to 80 days.
 
Larger varieties like Crimson Sweet usually get ripe in 85 to 100 days.
 
Keep in mind that weather, sunlight, and watering all affect how fast watermelons get ripe.
 
Hot, sunny days speed things up, while cool or cloudy stretches slow the process down.
 

So, When Do Watermelons Get Ripe?

Watermelons get ripe when the tendril near the stem turns brown, the ground spot turns creamy yellow, the skin dulls, and the thump sounds hollow.
 
Knowing when watermelons get ripe comes down to watching those signals closely instead of guessing by size alone.
 
Let your watermelons stay on the vine until those signs show up, because they won’t sweeten much once picked.
 
Hope this post has helped you understand when watermelons get ripe and how to harvest them at their sweetest.