Title: The Reason for Soft Watermelons | Hunker
Headings: The Reason for Soft Watermelons
The Reason for Soft Watermelons
Over-ripeness
Disease
Bruises
Sun and Heat
Cyn Reed

Content: Liming the soil to increase calcium content, maintaining even soil moisture to enable the uptake of calcium by the plant's root system and foliar applications of calcium help manage this disease. Bruises
Rough handling, during harvest or transport, may cause watermelon to bruise, promoting soft spots, decay and a short shelf life. Refraining from tossing or pitching the fruits will help avoid injury; take care not to drop them. According to the University of Georgia, a drop as little as a distance of 8 inches can result in severe internal bruising, and a 1-foot drop can crack the flesh internally. Watermelons should not be stacked on their ends as the blossom end is delicate and prone to bruising. Sun and Heat
Direct sunlight can affect the quality of watermelon after harvest. Melons left exposed to sunlight will develop sunburn rapidly. Keep the fruit in shade, after picking it, until you can store it long term. Heat may also affect the quality of the fruit.