Watermelon how many seeds

Of course, you can always buy a seedless watermelon, but they're usually pricier. So what do you do about those watermelon seeds? Can you eat them? Read on to find out if the watermelon seeds should be skipped or made into a snack. Watermelon has two kinds of seeds: black and white seeds. You may eat the white seeds without realizing it. When you get a "seedless" watermelon, they're not actually seedless because the white seeds are in it.

The white seeds are also in non-seedless watermelons. So, these are totally safe to eat, and they'd be a hassle to remove.

No, you do not have to remove the black seeds. But you may want to because they don't have much flavor and are harder to chew.

Far less than a bag of potato chips! One of several minerals found in watermelon seeds is magnesium. A handful of watermelon seeds contains about 0. It might not seem like much, but the NIH only recommends adults get 18 mg in their day. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin — carrying oxygen through the body. It also helps your body convert calories into energy. However, watermelon seeds contain phytate, which decreases the absorption of iron and reduces their nutritional value. Watermelon seeds also provide a good source of both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids — one large handful 4 grams provides 0.

Watermelon seeds are also good source of zinc. They provide about 26 percent of the daily value in one ounce, or 4 percent DV in one large handful 4 grams. Roasting watermelon seeds is easy.

It should only take about 15 minutes for them to roast, but you may want to stir them halfway through to ensure an even crispiness. You can make the seeds taste even better by adding a little olive oil and salt, or sprinkling them with cinnamon and a light dusting of sugar. Grow and Save Watermelon Seeds. How to Grow Watermelons Watermelon fruits vary in size from small to quite large ,and in color from dark green to yellow.

Time of Planting Watermelon seeds can be direct-sown outside after danger of frost has passed. Spacing Requirements Plant watermelon into inch-tall hills of soil that are spaced at least 6 feet apart. Time to Germination Seeds will germinate in 4—12 days. Special Considerations While it is simple to direct-sow watermelon seeds, you can also start watermelon seedlings indoors 4—6 weeks before the last frost date.

Common Pests and Diseases Watermelon plants can suffer from anthracnose, cucumber wilt, downy mildew, and powdery mildew. When and How to Harvest When harvesting watermelon, cut the stem with a sharp knife or garden tool rather than pulling the plant from the vine. Eating Watermelon is most often enjoyed fresh and cold as a summertime snack.

Storing Whole watermelons stay fresh at room temperature—preferably in a cool, dark place to retard further ripening—for up to 10 days under ideal conditions. How to Save Watermelon Seeds Remember that hand pollination is always an option if the recommended isolation distance of feet for maintaining varietal purity is too great for your gardening space. Life Cycle Annual Recommended Isolation Distance When saving seeds from watermelon, separate varieties by at least feet or hand pollinate several fruits.

Recommended Population Sizes A single watermelon plant can produce viable seed. A third tactic is to examine the small vine tendrils near the fruit. If they have dried up from green to brown and are beginning to fall off, the watermelon is ripe.

The watermelon also may take on a dull look instead of a bright sheen when it is ready to harvest. To harvest, take a knife and cut the watermelon from the plant, cutting the stem close to the fruit. After harvesting, it is suggested to chill the watermelon prior to serving. Since watermelons have a long growing period and produce big fruits, they are heavy feeders. Prior to planting, amend soil with compost and a higher nitrogen fertilizer. Once vines begin to ramble, side dress plants with a fertilizer and again once the melons are set.

You can find multiple varieties of watermelon seeds, some with the potential to reach up to 50 pounds or with a yellow or orange flesh at Urban Farmer. Learning Download: Common pests and diseases: Watermelons. When growing vegetables, it is always exciting to care for the plant throughout its growing phase and then harvest it for delicious recipes later on, but one thing to watch out for is pests and diseases.

Different plants are susceptible to different types of pests and diseases, and it is important to make your self aware so you can keep a watchful eye and also take any preventative methods to keep your plants safe throughout their lifespan. Some of the common pests affecting watermelons include aphids, cabbage loopers, cutworms and thrips. Aphids are soft-bodied insects that bring problems to lots of plants.

They create discoloration of the leaves, necrotic spots and stunted growth. Cabbage loopers will eat small and large holes in the leaves, and they oftentimes cause extensive damage. The caterpillars are pale green in color and have white lines down the sides. To manage this pest, encourage natural enemies or apply Bacillus thuringiensis.