Pruning guide
How to prune moon and stars watermelon
Best time
Midsummer once 2 fruits per vine have set
How often
Once per season, after fruit set
Technique
Pinch or cut the main vine tip a few nodes past the last set fruit. Trim fruitless laterals back to 2 leaves. Retain shading foliage near each melon.
More moon and stars watermelon care
Pruning moon and stars watermelon — FAQ
When should I prune moon and stars watermelon?
Midsummer once 2 fruits per vine have set. Pinch or cut the main vine tip a few nodes past the last set fruit. Trim fruitless laterals back to 2 leaves. Retain shading foliage near each melon.
How often does moon and stars watermelon need pruning?
Once per season, after fruit set. Moon and Stars watermelon is a long-vining heirloom that benefits from tip pruning after 2 fruits per vine have set. Cutting the vine tip beyond the last fruit focuses plant energy into sizing those melons. Remove excess laterals in tight spaces, but leave adequate leaf cover to protect fruit from sunscald.
How do you prune moon and stars watermelon?
Pinch or cut the main vine tip a few nodes past the last set fruit. Trim fruitless laterals back to 2 leaves. Retain shading foliage near each melon.