Yes, watermelons can get blossom end rot. Blossom end rot happens because of some factors which make the fruits rotten on the end part. It is frustrating when you see that a lot of your watermelons are affected. But why do watermelons get blossom end rot?
What are the causes of blossom end rot on watermelons?
The watermelons are lacking calcium. Calcium is an essential element for watermelons to grow well. When they are lacking calcium they can get blossom end rot.
There are many kinds of fertilizers that are applicable for watermelons which are complete and have calcium. When you regularly fertilize your plants they will grow well and blossom end rot can be prevented.
You can also check the soil with soil testing kits to know if the soil is lacking calcium and other elements and if they are you need to increase the calcium in the soil.
Another way to increase the calcium in the soil is by adding crushed eggshells. Eggshells are rich in calcium and it’s a good alternative instead of adding chemical fertilizer.
Instead of throwing those eggshells in the bin why not just add them to your plants? Eggshells are really helpful to increase the calcium in the soil which help the plants to grow well and prevent problems like blossom end rot, especially for the watermelons.
Chicken eggs are usually being consumed and they are good to add to the soil. It will take a few days or weeks before the calcium takes effect.
Aside from adding eggshells, you can also add garden lime. Garden lime is also high in calcium which can improve soil quality.
But checking the soil ph is needed before adding garden lime so that you will know how much garden lime you will add to the soil. In that way, adding excessive calcium to the soil will be prevented.
Inconsistent watering. Water is essential for watermelons but watering should be consistent because irregular watering can cause blossom end rot.
You need to stick to your watering schedule and if you are watering your watermelons two to three times a week you need to be consistent with it.
Water makes watermelons hydrated and it’s necessary for the plants and fruits to grow better and bigger. You will see that your watermelons are growing well with regular watering.
But in case it rains you don’t need to water your watermelons. Watering the plants while the soil is wet can cause overwatering. Too much water can cause rot roots and other problems for the plants.
A lot of water causes plants stress, leading them to grow poorly.
What can you do with watermelons with blossom end rot?
If watermelons are ripe and they get blossom end rot you can still consume them by removing the damaged part but if the damage is too much don’t consume them.
It depends on the amount of damage the fruits get that will tell you if they are still consumable or not. Another thing is if watermelons get blossom end rot but they are not ripe you cannot consume them.
Unripe watermelons don’t taste that good and just throw them because they cannot be consumed. It’s quite frustrating if a lot of watermelons get blossom end rot because you will not be able to eat them.
Also, once you see that watermelons get blossom end rot, you end to remove them from the plant. The damage will not go away and it can affect other fruits so removing them away can make other watermelons safer.
How to prevent blossom end rot on watermelons?
To prevent blossom end rot on watermelons you need to keep the soil rich in calcium. You need to check the soil elements first so you have an idea of how much calcium is needed to add to the soil.
There are many kinds of fertilizers that have calcium and they can help to prevent blossom end rot. Also, adding crushed eggshells can also improve the calcium in the soil. Eggshells contain calcium and you can use them instead of throwing them away.
Another way to prevent blossom end rot is to water the watermelons consistently. You need to follow the schedule, and how often you water the plant because it can make the plants grow better.
Changing the schedule of the watering can affect the plant which can lead to blossom end rot.
