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Pruning guide

How to prune watermelon

Best time
After fruit set, typically midsummer; tip-prune 90 days before expected first frost in short-season climates
How often
Once or twice during the growing season
Technique
Using clean scissors, remove secondary laterals that emerge from the main vine early in the season. Once 2–3 fruits are grapefruit-sized, pinch the main vine tip and remove any newly forming fruits to concentrate the plant's energy.

More watermelon care

Pruning watermelon — FAQ

When should I prune watermelon?

After fruit set, typically midsummer; tip-prune 90 days before expected first frost in short-season climates. Using clean scissors, remove secondary laterals that emerge from the main vine early in the season. Once 2–3 fruits are grapefruit-sized, pinch the main vine tip and remove any newly forming fruits to concentrate the plant's energy.

How often does watermelon need pruning?

Once or twice during the growing season. Watermelon vines can be pruned to focus energy on fewer, larger fruits. Pinch off secondary lateral shoots early, and once 2–3 fruits have set, remove additional flowers and immature fruits. In short-season climates, trimming the main vine tip in midsummer helps remaining melons ripen before frost.

How do you prune watermelon?

Using clean scissors, remove secondary laterals that emerge from the main vine early in the season. Once 2–3 fruits are grapefruit-sized, pinch the main vine tip and remove any newly forming fruits to concentrate the plant's energy.