Watermelon: How to Grow More Healthy, Sweet, and Attractive Fruits
The fertilization program that helps root development, stimulates plant growth, and promotes the production of high-quality watermelons
In the heel of Italy, among ancient farmhouses and dry-stone walls, one of the most prized watermelons in Europe is grown. In Salento, particularly in Nardò and Leverano, watermelon cultivation is more than an agricultural practice—it’s a true cultural heritage.
A sunny climate, fertile soils, and deep-rooted farming traditions make this region an ideal ecosystem for top-quality production. But nature’s generosity alone is not enough: achieving high standards requires expertise, innovation, and precision nutrition strategies.
Today we explore three advanced fertilization interventions that are revolutionizing watermelon cultivation in Salento—and beyond.
Three Key Interventions to Stimulate and Protect Watermelon Plants
Biolchim, in collaboration with the specialists from the Agricultural Consortium of Lecce, has developed a watermelon strategy that goes beyond standard nutrition.
In addition to providing essential nutrients—which remain indispensable—this program focuses on restoring lost soil health, defending and stimulating the root system, and boosting plant activity to influence and regulate fruit load. Let’s take a closer look at the three recommended interventions.
1. How to Help Boost Flowering and Fruit Set in Watermelon
One of the most critical stages is the fruit set of the first floral tier. If managed properly, this phase ensures a more uniform and continuous production throughout the growing cycle. However, it is often hindered by adverse weather, excessive vegetative growth, or deficiencies in key micronutrients like boron and zinc.
In the field, the combination of FOLICIST® + NUTRI-GEMMA B-Zn™ is highly effective.
FOLICIST® is a biostimulant that acts at the metabolic level, supporting the plant during its most intense and delicate phases: it facilitates pollen germination, counteracts stress, and promotes fruit set.
NUTRI-GEMMA B-Zn™ is a liquid fertilizer rich in boron and zinc that promotes flower fertility and fruit formation.
The result? Balanced plants with improved fruit set and steady, uniform production.
2. From Flower to Fruit: Fertigation for Better Uniformity and Quality
Once production begins, the focus shifts to fruit enlargement and uniformity—two key objectives in today’s market.
NOV@®, a biopromoter of fruit growth and enlargement, and the GREEN-GO® water-soluble fertigation line, were chosen to create an effective nutritional plan that supports every stage of plant development.
NOV@® enhances root absorption and vascular activity and supports hormonal balance, allowing watermelons to develop firm, compact fruit.
GREEN-GO® products are specifically designed to exclude chlorine, sodium, and urea-based nitrogen, providing precise, complete nutrition without excesses.
The combined treatment resulted in larger fruit size, with sweet, compact flesh—perfectly meeting the needs of Salento growers and the demands of domestic and international markets.
3. Combating Soil Fatigue
With frequent crop repetition and intensive cultivation, soil fatigue is an increasingly common issue, both in open fields and greenhouses. Depleted soils struggle to support root activity, limiting the crop’s productivity.
Biolchim successfully introduced two key products:
- VHERA® MB, a concentrated microbial consortium
- VHERA® LIFE, a biostimulant of the soil microbiome
This combination promotes root mycorrhization—a symbiotic relationship between plant roots and beneficial fungi.
Mycorrhizae expand the effective root zone, improve phosphorus and nutrient availability, and enhance plant resilience, even under stress conditions.
It’s a prebiotic + probiotic strategy that helps regenerate, strengthen, and unlock the full productive potential of tired soils
Conclusion: A Scalable Model for Watermelon-Growing Region
The field video interview with experts from the Agricultural Consortium of Lecce is not just a success story—it’s a concrete example of how advanced nutrition and biostimulation can transform watermelon cultivation.
From flowering to fruit sizing, from root protection to soil regeneration, every stage was addressed with expertise, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
The results speak for themselves, demonstrating the effectiveness of an integrated strategy that can be replicated in any area suited for watermelon production.
Want to apply this strategy to your own farm?
Contact Biolchim’s Technical Support Team. Grow your success, starting from the roots.
