Triple Sweet Watermelon

Start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before your last spring frost date. Sow seeds in warm soil (70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) in seed trays or pots, keeping soil consistently moist. Watermelon seeds germinate best when warm; avoid cold soil. Thin to the strongest seedling per cell.

Transplant into the garden once soil has warmed to at least 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and all danger of frost has passed. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Space plants 36 inches apart in rows 120 inches apart. Handle gently to avoid disturbing roots.

Direct sow seeds after soil temperature reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit and spring frosts have ended. Sow seeds 1 inch deep, 2 to 3 seeds per hill spaced 36 inches apart. Thin seedlings once they develop true leaves, keeping the strongest plant.

Harvest when the melon reaches full maturity around 80 to 89 days after planting. Look for a pale yellow or cream-colored spot on the bottom where the melon rested on soil, indicating ripeness. The melon should feel heavy for its size and yield slightly to pressure when squeezed gently. Thump the melon with your knuckles; a ripe melon produces a hollow sound rather than a metallic ring. Cut the melon from the vine with a sharp knife rather than twisting, leaving a short stem attached.

As a vigorous vining hybrid, Triple Sweet benefits from minimal intervention. Allow main vines to sprawl, but you may gently redirect wayward runners to keep them within garden boundaries. Some gardeners remove small side shoots and non-fruiting runners to concentrate energy into fruit development, though this is optional.