How Do You Get A Watermelon To Ripen

You can get a watermelon to ripen after picking it, but only if it was already close to mature when harvested.
 
If you picked a watermelon too early, no amount of tricks will make it as sweet as one that ripened on the vine.
 
But if it was harvested at the right stage, you can absolutely help a watermelon ripen a bit more off the vine.
 
In this post, we’ll cover how to get a watermelon to ripen, the signs that tell you it’s ready, and the best ways to encourage ripening at home.
 
Let’s get started.
 

How Do You Get a Watermelon to Ripen?

How do you get a watermelon to ripen?
 
The honest answer is that a watermelon will only ripen a little more after it’s picked.
 
Unlike bananas or avocados, watermelons are not climacteric fruits, meaning they don’t continue ripening much once separated from the vine.
 
They rely on the plant for most of their sugar development.
 
So getting a watermelon to ripen off the vine is more about coaxing out the last bit of maturity than transforming a green melon into a sweet one.
 
Still, there are a few things you can do to help a watermelon ripen as much as possible after harvest.
 

1. Check the Field Spot First

The best way to get a watermelon to ripen starts before you even pick it.
 
Flip the watermelon over and look for the field spot, which is the creamy yellow patch where it rested on the ground.
 
If that spot is white or pale green, the watermelon isn’t ripe yet.
 
A deep yellow or orange field spot means the watermelon ripened properly on the vine.
 
So if you’re wondering how to get a watermelon to ripen, start by choosing one that already has a good field spot.
 

2. Look for a Dry, Brown Tendril

Another sign that a watermelon ripened on the vine is the tendril closest to the fruit.
 
When that tendril turns brown and dries up, the watermelon is ready.
 
If it’s still green, the watermelon needs more time on the vine.
 
This is one of the most reliable indicators that a watermelon is mature enough to ripen fully.
 

3. Thump It and Listen

The classic thump test still works when you want to get a watermelon to ripen properly.
 
Give the watermelon a firm tap with your knuckles.
 
A ripe watermelon sounds hollow and dull, like a deep thud.
 
An unripe watermelon sounds more solid and sharp.
 
If you hear that hollow sound, the watermelon has ripened enough to be picked.
 

Ways to Help a Watermelon Ripen After Picking

Once a watermelon is off the vine, you can still try a few methods to get it to ripen a little more.
 
Just keep your expectations realistic.
 
Here are the best approaches.
 

1. Leave It at Room Temperature

The simplest way to get a watermelon to ripen is to leave it on the counter at room temperature.
 
Cold slows down any remaining ripening process, so avoid the fridge at this stage.
 
Keep the watermelon in a warm spot away from direct sunlight.
 
Give it a few days and check for changes in color and firmness.
 

2. Turn It Occasionally

Rotating the watermelon every day can help it ripen more evenly.
 
This prevents one side from staying soft while the other stays firm.
 
It’s a small step, but it can make a difference when you’re trying to get a watermelon to ripen off the vine.
 

3. Store It Near Ethylene-Producing Fruits

Although watermelons don’t produce much ethylene themselves, they can respond slightly to ethylene from other fruits.
 
Place your watermelon next to ripe bananas, apples, or avocados.
 
These fruits release ethylene gas, which may help a watermelon ripen just a bit faster.
 
It won’t work miracles, but it can nudge things along.
 

4. Use a Paper Bag

If you want to get a watermelon to ripen faster, place it in a brown paper bag with a ripe banana.
 
The bag traps ethylene gas around the fruit.
 
Check the watermelon daily so it doesn’t over-ripen or start to rot.
 
This method works best for watermelons that are already close to ripe.
 

5. Give It Time, Not Heat

Some people try to speed up ripening by putting a watermelon in a warm oven or in direct sun.
 
Don’t do that.
 
Heat can damage the flesh and make the texture mushy without improving sweetness.
 
The goal is to help a watermelon ripen gently, not cook it.
 

Signs a Watermelon Has Ripened

How do you know when you’ve managed to get a watermelon to ripen?
 
Look for these signs.
 

1. The Rind Turns Dull

A ripe watermelon has a dull, slightly rough rind.
 
If the surface is shiny and smooth, it’s probably not ready yet.
 

2. The Bottom Turns Creamy Yellow

The field spot should deepen in color as the watermelon ripens.
 
A rich, creamy yellow is what you want.
 

3. It Feels Heavy for Its Size

A watermelon that has ripened properly feels heavy because it’s full of water and sugar.
 
If it feels light, it may be underripe or dried out.
 

4. The Skin Gives Slightly

Press gently on the rind.
 
A ripe watermelon gives just a little under pressure.
 
If it’s rock hard, it needs more time.
 

So, How Do You Get a Watermelon to Ripen?

You can get a watermelon to ripen a little more after picking, but only if it was already mature when harvested.
 
Unlike bananas or avocados, watermelons don’t continue ripening much off the vine.
 
So the best strategy is to pick a watermelon that has ripened on the vine, using the field spot and tendril as your guide.
 
If you bring one home that’s slightly underripe, leave it at room temperature, turn it occasionally, and keep it near ethylene-producing fruits.
 
With a bit of patience, you can help a watermelon ripen just enough to enjoy it at its best.