Knowing exactly when to pick Black Diamond watermelon is the secret to enjoying its legendary sweetness. Get it right, and you’re rewarded with the perfect, juicy slice; pick it too early, and it’s a letdown. This guide will walk you through the clear, reliable signs that your melon is ready, so you can harvest with confidence.
Watermelons don’t continue to ripen after they’re picked, unlike some fruits. That means timing is everything. By learning a few simple techniques, you’ll never have to guess again. Let’s look at the combination of clues that tell you it’s time.
When To Pick Black Diamond Watermelon
This iconic, oblong melon with its dark green, almost black rind is a favorite for a reason. It’s known for its super sweet, bright red flesh. To achive that perfect flavor, you need to observe it closely as it matures. Relying on just one sign can be misleading, so always check multiple indicators.
The Primary Signs of Ripeness
Start by looking at the overall state of your vine and fruit. The first clues are visual and happen before you even touch the melon.
- The Tendril Turns Brown: Find the curly tendril closest to the stem where the watermelon attaches. When the melon is ripening, this tendril will turn from green to completely brown and dry. If it’s still green, the melon is still growing and sweetening.
- The Field Spot Changes Color: The field spot is the area where the melon rests on the ground. An unripe Black Diamond will have a white or pale green spot. A perfectly ripe one will have a creamy, buttery yellow spot. This is one of the most dependable visual cues.
- The Rind Loses Its Shine: A young watermelon has a slight glossy sheen to its rind. As it matures, the rind becomes dull. A ripe Black Diamond will have a more matte, non-shiny appearance. The dark green color also becomes very deep.
The Secondary Checks: Sound and Feel
After the visual inspection, it’s time to get hands-on. These tests confirm what you’re eyes are telling you.
- The Thump Test: Give the melon a firm knock with your knuckles. An unripe melon will sound tight and high-pitched, almost metallic. An overripe melon can sound a hollow and dull. A ripe Black Diamond will have a deep, resonant, and full “thump” or “plunk” sound. It takes a little practice, but comparing a few melons helps.
- The Rind Resistance Test: Try to pierce the rind with your thumbnail. On an unripe melon, the rind will be very hard and your nail won’t make a mark. On a ripe melon, the rind will be tough but you should be able to scratch the very outer surface slightly. If it pierces easily, it may be overripe.
- Heft and Size: A ripe watermelon will feel heavy for its size. If you’ve been monitoring its growth, it should have reached its full, expected size for the variety. It just feels dense because it’s full of water and sugar.
A Note on Stem Condition
Some gardeners look for a dried stem. While a brown, drying stem can be a sign, it’s not always reliable on its own. A stem can start to dry because of weather or vine health issues. Always use it in conjuction with the other signs, especially the tendril right next to the fruit.
The Harvesting Process Step-by-Step
Once you’re confident your Black Diamond is ready, it’s time to harvest. Doing it properly protects the fruit and the vine.
- Gather Your Tools: Use a sharp, clean knife or a pair of sharp pruning shears. Do not try to twist or pull the melon off the vine, as this can damage a long section of the plant.
- Cut the Stem: Cut the stem about 2 to 3 inches above the top of the watermelon. Leaving a “handle” helps prevent rot at the blossom end and makes the melon easier to carry.
- Handle with Care: Avoid dropping or bruising the melon. Even though the rind is tough, internal damage can start decay. Carry it from the bottom, supporting its weight.
- Clean and Store: Gently brush off any dirt, especially from the field spot. For the best flavor, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before cutting. If not eating immediately, store uncut melons in a cool, dry place (like a basement) for up to two weeks. Once cut, refrigerate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make a error. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Picking by Size Alone: Just because a melon looks big doesn’t mean it’s sweet. It must show the other ripeness signs.
- Ignoring the Tendril: The color change of the closest tendril is a direct signal from the plant that it’s done sending sugar to that fruit. It’s a critical sign you shouldn’t overlook.
- Harvesting Too Late After the Tendril Browns: Once that tendril is fully brown, harvest within a few days. Leaving it on the vine too long after this point can lead to overripe, mealy flesh or the melon splitting.
- Not Considering the Weather: Extreme heat or heavy rain right before harvest can effect flavor and texture. If possible, try to harvest after a period of steady, sunny weather for the best sugar content.
What to Do If You Pick One Too Early
It happens to everyone. If you slice open a Black Diamond and the flesh is pale pink or tasteless, it was picked too soon. Unfortunately, you can’t ripen it further. All is not lost, though. The flesh can still be used in recipes where sweetness is added, like pickled watermelon rind, a savory watermelon salad with feta and a tangy dressing, or blended into a chilled soup.
FAQ: Your Black Diamond Watermelon Questions
How long does it take for a Black Diamond watermelon to ripen?
From the time a flower is pollinated, it typically takes 85 to 95 days for a Black Diamond watermelon to reach full maturity. This depends heavily on your local climate and summer weather.
Can you leave a watermelon on the vine too long?
Yes, absolutely. An overripe watermelon may have a hollow sound, fibrous or mealy flesh, and can even split open on the vine. The sweet spot is narrow, so checking daily near the end of the estimated grow time is key.
What does a ripe Black Diamond watermelon look like inside?
A perfectly ripe Black Diamond should have vibrant, deep red flesh. The color should be consistent throughout, with maybe a few white seeds (if it’s a seeded variety) and no streaky white lines running through the meat. It should look juicy and firm.
How do you make your watermelons sweeter?
Sweetness is built during growth. Ensure your plants get full sun, consistent watering (especially as fruits size up), and good soil nutrition. Avoid overwatering right before harvest, as this can dilute the sugar. Stress from drought or disease will reduce sweetness.
What’s the best time of day to pick watermelon?
Early morning is ideal. The melons are still cool from the night air, which helps them retain crispness and flavor. It’s also more pleasant for you, the gardener!
Mastering the art of picking your Black Diamond watermelon at the peak moment is incredibly satisfying. By combining the visual check of the tendril and field spot with the auditory thump test and the feel of the rind, you’ll consistently harvest melons that are bursting with flavor. Pay close attention as the growing season nears its end, and you’ll enjoy the incredible taste of your own perfectly ripe, homegrown watermelon. There’s nothing quite like it.