Watermelon Farming In Kenya: High-Yield Farming Tips

If you are searching for a profitable agricultural venture in Kenya, try watermelon farming.

Why?

Watermelons combine quick returns with growing market demand.

Farmers have access to the local export market.

This comprehensive guide covers watermelon farming in Kenya.

It will show you how to select the right varieties, market your harvest and much more.

This post will equip you with the knowledge to start your watermelon farming venture in Kenya.

Introduction to Watermelon Farming In Kenya

Let me give you a brief background of watermelons. Watermelon is scientifically known as Citrullus lanatus.

It is cultivated across the world for its sweet, juicy flesh.

The economic importance of watermelon farming in Kenya cannot be overstated.

In Kenya, it is a high-value cash crop for smallholder and large-scale farmers. It enhances  livelihoods and food security.

Its relatively short growing cycle (75-90 days) allows for multiple harvests per year, providing a steady income stream for farmers.

There are several watermelon varieties grown in Kenya.

Let’s explore these varieties.

• Sugar baby: A small, round variety with dark green skin and sweet red flesh.
• Crimson sweet: Known for its large size and striped green skin.
• Charleston gray: An elongated variety with light green skin and red flesh.
• Jubilee: Features a striped exterior and bright red interior, popular for its size and flavor.

The main watermelon-growing regions in Kenya.

• Eastern Kenya (Machakos, Kitui, Makueni)
• Coastal regions (Taita Taveta, Kwale)
• Parts of the Rift Valley (Kajiado, Narok)

These areas provide suitable climatic conditions and soil types for optimal watermelon growth.

Climatic Conditions for Watermelon Farming in Kenya

Let me share with you the climatic conditions for growing watermelons.

Watermelons thrive in warm, sunny climates. Kenya has so many places with such climatic conditions.

So it can be grown in many parts of Kenya.

The perfect temperature for growing watermelons is usually from 72°F to 86°F.

Here are some of the most suitable regions for watermelon farming in Kenya are based on these climatic requirements.

• Machakos
• Kitui
• Makueni
• Taita Taveta
• Kajiado

These zones have the perfect blend of heat and sun exposure needed for the best watermelon development.

When choosing a watermelon farm, look at the weather now and in the future and make sure there’s enough water for watering the plants.

Best Conditions For Growing Watermelons

There are three main requirements for growing watermelons well.

Do you know what these conditions are?

Well, they need good sunshine, water, and space. Soils that drain well and are rich in nutrients are also required for a good yield.

Sun requirements

The best conditions for producing the sweetest fruits require full sun, ideally 6 to 7 hours per day. 

Sunny weather is important during the flowering stage.

It supports flower appearance and development but also stimulate honey bee pollination activity.

A growing watermelon needs lots of sunshine to produce sugar.

If the area is too shaded, the fruit might grow smaller and fewer than average. 

Nevertheless, excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause heat stress on vines.

Temperature and humidity

The crop grows in long, hot summers with daytime temperatures ranging from 70 to 85°F (21 to 29°C).

It can tolerate temperatures of up to 90°F (32°C). Frost is detrimental to the crop. So don’t start planting until the risk of frost has gone. 

Low temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or high temperatures above 95°F (35°C) will retard the watermelon’s growth and prolong the harvest time.

Proper soil drainage is more important than humidity during most growing seasons. 

However, relative humidity levels are essential at the flowering stage, with an optimal range of 60–80%.

Ideal climate for growing watermelons

The crop, originally from the tropics and subtropics, grows best in sunny, warm climates with relatively high humidity. 

It can also be grown in temperate climates because of sufficient warmth.

Best Soil For Growing Watermelons

The crop grows best in nutrient-rich and fertile soils.

This crop thrives in almost any soil that drains properly. However, sandy loam is ideal for growing watermelons. 

Soils that are overly clay-rich and poorly draining can be detrimental to these growing plants.

There is a strong link between soil pH and plant development and yield because soil pH affects the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients. 

Watermelons like acidic soils (pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 6.5).

The perfect soil acidity or basicity for planting the crop is reached with soil amendments.

How to Grow Juicy Watermelons

You can grow watermelons from seed or use transplants. Direct sowing is cheaper and labor-effective. 

Nevertheless, transplanting allows for more precise management of plant populations and speeds up harvest time.

How To Prepare The Soil For Watermelon In Kenya

First clear the land of any debris and rocks. Next, break up large clumps and aerate the soil by tilling it to a depth of 12–15 inches (30–38 cm). 

To improve soil structure, incorporate compost or aged manure. 

Amend the soil with lime to neutralize acidity and improve nutrient availability for the growing crop. 

After completing these activities, water the field and let the growing medium become slightly warmer and drier before planting watermelons.

When To Plant Watermelon In Kenya

Wait for the soil to warm up to ensure seed germination. The minimum soil temperature for planting watermelon is 65°F (18°C). 

Then you can do soil solarization.

Soil solarization, which involves covering the soil with black plastic mulch, can help speed up ground warming. 

Check the weather records and forecasts for your growing region to determine when the last frost will occur and wait at least two weeks beyond that date to avoid frost damage.

In cold growing regions, plant seeds indoors 2–3 weeks before the last predicted frost, whereas in warmer growing regions, direct seeding is a way to go. 

Don’t rush time to plant watermelons, since seeds planted too early might take longer to germinate and produce uneven stands.

How To Plant Watermelon iN Kenya

Homogenous, disease-free, certified seed with a germination rate of 85–90% is required for growing the crop commercially 

The standard spacing is 24–30 square feet (2.2–2.8 square meters) per plant for growing crops with larger fruits. 

Normal spacing between rows is 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 m), with plants 42 to 60 inches (100 to 150 cm) apart. 

Small-sized fruits require less growing space, typically 13 to 14 square feet (4 to 4.2 square meters) per plant.

Do you know how deep to plant watermelon seeds?

The planting depth should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm).

Farmers looking for a head start might consider growing watermelons from transplants. 

In areas with a short growing season, transplants are preferred since they reach maturity around two weeks earlier than seeded plants.

How To Care For Watermelon Plants

Farmers should sufficiently water and fertilize crops throughout the growing season to promote fruit set and yield.

Pruning and timely removal of underdeveloped fruits allow the production of marketable-sized harvestable melons.

Fertilizing Watermeloms

Are you doing watermelon farming on a large scale in Kenya?

Well, for commercial watermelon farming, apply 120 lbm/ac (134 kg/ha) of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers at maximum. 

Heavy rain and sprinkler irrigation can wash away nutrients, especially mobile ones like N and K. 

It is advisable to split these nutrients into several applications to minimize the risk of fertilizer burn and leaching losses. 

Since P is immobile, you can apply it once before planting, and it will remain available throughout the growing season.

Many growers choose to apply all of the phosphorus and potassium at once, while splitting the nitrogen application into two parts: half before planting and the other half later in the growing season, 4–6 weeks after planting. More advanced methods, such as the modified broadcast, involve dispersing fertilizer in bands 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) wide before watermelon planting. 

This method delivers nutrients directly to the plant’s root zone and protects growing seedlings from burning.

Watering Watermelon Plants in Kenya

Watermelon vines are particularly vulnerable to drought stress between planting and the onset of fruit development. 

Therefore, ensure that your growing plants more frequently watered if it doesn’t rain enough during this time. 

Maintain a somewhat moist, but not soggy, growing medium condition.

But how  much water does a watermelon need?

Well, a typical watermelon requires 1–2 inches of water (25–50 mm) per week.

Before irrigating watermelons, find out about the  forecast.  If heavy rain is anticipated, you won’t need to water further. 

On the other hand, heat waves pose a high drought risk.

So you have to support growing watermelon plants with sufficient irrigation.

Instead of using sprinklers, invest in a soaker or drip irrigation system to hydrate your growing crops. 

Delivering moisture straight to the plant’s root zone helps prevent most pathogenic fungi from growing and spreading. 

Irrigating your crops first thing in the morning gives the leaves plenty of time under the sun, which also helps to keep fungus at bay.

Control of Watermelon Pests and Diseases in Kenya

Watermelon plants in Kenya are prone to various pests and diseases that can affect fruit quality and overall yield.

Early detection is essential for effective pest and disease management.

Below is a table outlining common pests and diseases, their symptoms, and tips for managing them.

Pest/Disease	Symptoms	Control Measures
Aphids	Shriveled, curled leaves; sticky honeydew.	Use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs.
Cucumber Beetles	Irregular holes in leaves and fruits; bacterial wilt.	Apply organic insecticides; use row covers.
Root Maggots	Feeding marks on fruit rind; tunnels in seedlings’ roots.	Rotate crops; apply beneficial nematodes.
Powdery Mildew	Yellow spots on older leaves; white powdery growth on leaves and fruits.	Use sulfur-based fungicides; ensure good air circulation.
Fusarium Wilt	Brown discoloration on roots and stems.	Plant resistant varieties; rotate crops.
Watermelon Mosaic Virus	Leaf mottling; stunted growth and bumpy fruit surface.	Remove infected plants; control aphids.
Downy Mildew	Yellow, fuzzy patches; brown lesions.	Apply fungicides; avoid overcrowding.
Anthracnose	Brown patches on leaves; dark spots on fruit.	Apply copper fungicides; remove infected debris.
Fruit Blotch	Water-soaked lesions on leaves and fruits.	Use disease-free seeds; remove infected plants.
Gummy Stem Blight	Brown lesions on leaves and vines; gum on stems.	Apply fungicides; avoid overhead watering.

Pruning Watermelon

Pruning watermelon vines promotes a healthier crop and larger fruits. 

Though this operation is not strictly necessary, preventing lateral vines from growing and attaching to the main vine may increase vine productivity.

When the crop is still young, remove the terminal buds as they emerge.

Inspect the plant for any underdeveloped, irregular, or decaying fruit and remove it.

By pruning bad fruits, you can redirect the plant’s resources toward growing larger and juicier melons.

Pro Tip: To prevent weeds from growing up excessively, don’t overprune the vine.

How Long Does It Take For Watermelon To Grow?

Well, it depends on the variety. On average, watermelons need 70–100 days to grow. 

While it’s not always the case, smaller varieties tend to grow faster, in around 70 to 75 days. 

Main-season varieties are typically larger and have a longer growing season, lasting between 80 and 90 days. 

To reduce time-to-maturity by about 2 weeks, instead of starting with seeds, use plant transplants, already up and growing.

Harvesting And Storing Watermelon Fruits

Before picking watermelons, wait till they are ripe. 

Next, carefully cut the fruits from the vines and transport them to a cool storage area to maintain their peak quality.

When To Harvest Watermelon

Removing the immature fruits from the vine prevents them from ripening, so wait until the melons grow completely ripe before picking them. 

On the other hand, watermelon harvest time might be tricky to pin down. 

The part of the ripe fruit that touches the ground will typically become yellow instead of creamy white; however, this depends on the variety. 

Here are several other fairly dependable clues that can help you tell when the fruit is ripe:

• the curly tendril, connected to the stem, becomes dry and brown;
• the rind hue shifts from glossy to matte;
• the rind becomes difficult to penetrate with the fingernail;
• the blossom end softens.

Pro Tip: Although these signs are helpful, cutting a watermelon is still the best way to tell if it’s ripe.

How To Harvest the Fruits in Kenya

Watermelons are manually cut from the vine using a sharp knife. 

Cutters should be extremely careful not to skin or scuff fruits.

To avoid rind abrasions and rotting, harvesting watermelons occurs only in dry weather. 

After removing melons from the vines, turn their bottoms down so they don’t become sunburned.

For safe transportation to storage facilities, fruits should be carefully placed in trucks padded with a soft cloth, and lined with hay or straw at the bottom. 

Regularly replace the bottom lining to avoid sand accumulation and potential damage to the fruits’ rinds.

How To Store Fruits

Temperature control is critical for keeping fruit in high-quality condition and prolonging its shelf life. 

The range of 50–60°F (10–16°C) is considered best for storing watermelons, with 55°F (13°C) being the sweet spot 

Watermelons are vulnerable to chilling injury at temperatures below 50°F (10°C), which can lead to internal flesh redness reduction and juice leakage, as well as surface pitting, tissue necrosis, and dark spots on the rind. 

Fruits that were bruised before being chilled will also develop flesh discoloration when brought to room temperature. 

Final Thoughts On Watermelon Farming In Kenya

Watermelon farming in Kenya is promising due to high demand.

Farmers must manage pests, prep soil, and ensure enough water.

Early detection of pests and fungi is vital for healthy plants and good yields. Use organic and chemical methods for crop and soil health.

Farmers should use good seeds, care for soil, and water crops.

Make sure you do crop rotation and apply fertilizer on time. These practices can raise yields and profits.