Watermelon - when to pick???

Question

I planted a watermelon seedling about the second week of May and have a nice amount of watermelons on the vine. There are two about the size of a large cantaloupe on the vine and a deep green color. The seedling came from a friend of a friend of a friend so there is no stick stating the variety or maturation date no a way of finding out the variety. The climate I live in could have frost coming within the next two weeks. When should I pick them??? Thank you!

Answer 1

the tendril is the curly cue part of the stem that grabs hold for support...the one that is closest to the melon will start to turn brown when it ripe...also the part of the melon that rests on the ground will be a cream / off white color

Answer 2

Watermelons are ripe around 6 weeks after they are fertilized (the blossoms are pollinated).  This is in a hot summer area.

I use three methods:  The tendril next to the watermelon is dry, the bottom is light orange, and the end of the watermelon is firm if you try to squeeze it.  

Answer 3

Ok - watermelons are always hard to know when to pick, you can tap your knuckles on the outside and if it sounds hollow it could be ready. Also you can use gentle pressure to press down on it and if you hear the flesh crack a little, its ready. Usually they take around 90-100 days to mature so do the maths and see. If frost could come soon I'd probably take the risk at the last possible time and pick them OR if not ready then cover the plant every night with some frost proof cloth. I couldn't be sure but I think watermelons should be bigger than a cantaloupe so you may need to wait still.

Hope this helps!