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I've been considering the possibility of grafting a giant watermelon variety (such as Carolina Cross) onto a giant pumpkin/squash/gourd rootstock (such as Atlantic Giant pumpkin, Weeks NC Giant, Zucca gourd, or Kikinda Competition Strain Edible Gourd). Would that affect the size of the fruit, ease of growth, and productivity, at all? I understand grafting onto squash and gourds can affect some aspects of fruit, such as firmness, at least.

Anyway, I'm hoping this might result in unusually large fruit, or at least easier to grow fruit in less than ideal conditions.

'Ease of growth' probably needs further explanation. Basically, I mean, Might it make it easier to grow large fruits (not giant, per se) without special treatment? For instance, Zucca gourds don't require special treatment to grow large, but people who grow giant watermelons and pumpkins usually report all kinds of tricks employed to get them huge (not that Zucca gourds are that big, though).

From what I read, it sounds like a gourd might be better for a rootstock than C. maxima x C. moschata, if I want good quality fruit. I'm not sure about plain old C. maxima.

Brōtsyorfuzthrāx
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1 Answers1

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No, it should not affect the size of the fruit. The size of the watermelons is determined by the watermelon veriety. If you graft cherry tomatoes onto a normal tomato stock it still produces cherry (sized) tomatoes.

Yes, it may make it easier to grow. This can range from root-related disease resistance to a difference in the fruit. Root related disease resistance has its obvious benefits while firmer flesh can help the watermelons be less susceptible to rot. The benefits will largely depend on what stock you choose to graft them onto. Be sure to pick a veriety that grows good in you area.

Yes, it may effect the productivity. The watermelons might be more likely to reach their full potential size and even grow a little faster. This can be because of a better root system from the grafted stock (the root disease resistance providing a healthier root system).

People who grow those insanely large pumpkins and watermelons usually tend to keep a lot of the methods used secret. I would say that grafting can certainly be the first step in helping your watermelons reach their full potential. Be aware that there might be even more tricks you need to learn to make them bigger than big.