The best time to pick a watermelon is when the tendril closest to the fruit is completely dry and brown, indicating the fruit is ripe. Additionally, check the bottom of the watermelon for a creamy yellow spot (called the field spot), which shows where the fruit rested on the ground and turns from white to yellow as it ripens. The skin should lose its shiny appearance and become dull, and the watermelon should produce a hollow sound when tapped. Also, harvesting should be done at around the days to maturity indicated on the seed packet or plant label to ensure proper ripeness. Watermelons do not continue to ripen significantly after being picked, so the timing is crucial for sweetness and flavor.
