Title: Bursting Watermelon Fruit - What Causes Watermelons To Split Open On Vine
Headings: Homegrown Watermelon Splitting: What Makes Watermelons Split In Garden
Homegrown Watermelon Splitting: What Makes Watermelons Split In Garden
Causes of Watermelon Splits

Content: When the soil becomes dry, the fruit forms a tight skin in order to prevent moisture loss. However, once a sudden surge in water returns, the skin expands. As a result, the watermelon bursts. Another possibility, in addition to water, is heat. Water pressure within the fruit can build up when it gets too hot, causing the melons to split open. One way to help alleviate splitting is by adding straw mulch, which will help retain moisture in the soil and insulate plants. Adding shade covers during excessively hot periods may help too. Finally, this may be attributed to certain cultivars as well. Some varieties of watermelon may simply be more prone to splitting than others. In fact, many thin-rind types, such as Icebox, have even been nicknamed “exploding melon” for this reason.