Easy and Fast Method for Growing and Planting Hybrid Fruit Trees of Mangosteen and Watermelon

Easy and Fast Method for Growing and Planting Hybrid Fruit Trees of Mangosteen and Watermelon

Growing hybrid fruit trees is a fascinating and innovative way to experiment with nature. One of the most exciting combinations that gardeners and enthusiasts are exploring is the hybrid of mangosteen and watermelon. While this crossbreed might sound unusual due to the differences between the two fruits—mangosteen being a slow-growing tropical tree and watermelon being a fast-growing vine—modern planting techniques have made such creative grafting and combination methods more accessible. In this guide, we will discuss an easy and fast method for growing and planting a hybrid fruit tree of mangosteen and watermelon that may not create a true botanical hybrid but can yield benefits like dual harvesting or faster growth.

Step 1: Understanding the Concept

Before starting, it is essential to understand that a true genetic hybrid between mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is biologically impossible. They belong to completely different plant families and have vastly different growing characteristics. However, with grafting and companion planting techniques, you can simulate a hybrid-like system where both fruits can be grown in close proximity or on a shared root base, offering mutual support and nutrient enhancement.

Step 2: Preparing the Mangosteen Tree

Mangosteen is a tropical tree that thrives in humid, warm climates with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is slow to grow, often taking several years to bear fruit.

To prepare the mangosteen seedling:

1. Soak mangosteen seeds in water for 24 hours to boost germination.
2. Plant them in individual pots filled with rich compost mixed with sand and loamy soil.
3. Keep the pots in a shaded, warm area with temperatures above 25°C (77°F).
4. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging.
5. Let the plant grow to about 1 foot tall before proceeding to the next steps.

Step 3: Preparing the Watermelon Plant

Watermelon grows quickly and is typically propagated from seeds.

To prepare the watermelon plant:

1. Choose a fast-growing variety such as Sugar Baby or Crimson Sweet.
2. Sow seeds directly into small pots or seed trays.
3. Ensure good sunlight and well-draining soil.
4. Within 1-2 weeks, your watermelon seedlings will sprout and grow rapidly.

Step 4: Grafting Method – Creating the Fusion

Now comes the creative part: using a grafting technique to simulate a hybrid-like tree that can support both plants. The key method here is approach grafting or side grafting.

How to graft watermelon onto mangosteen:

1. Wait until the mangosteen seedling has a thick enough stem (at least pencil-sized).
2. Choose a healthy watermelon vine and trim it to create a side shoot.
3. Cut a slanted slit on the mangosteen stem and match it with a slit on the watermelon vine.
4. Join both slits together and secure with grafting tape or plastic wrap.
5. Cover the graft area with a plastic bag to maintain humidity for 5–7 days.
6. After two weeks, if the graft takes successfully, new growth will be visible.
7. Trim the original root of the watermelon to allow the mangosteen root system to support both.

While this will not create a genetically merged plant, the watermelon can draw nutrients from the mangosteen’s root system and potentially grow in tandem, creating an artistic and functional planting method.

Step 5: Soil Preparation and Transplanting

Once the grafted plant stabilizes, it’s time to transplant it into the ground or a large pot.

Soil mix recipe:

• 50% loamy garden soil
• 25% aged compost
• 15% sand
• 10% coco peat or rice husk for aeration

Choose a sunny spot with partial shade during midday to protect the mangosteen component. Dig a wide hole, plant the grafted system carefully, and fill with the prepared soil.

Water thoroughly after transplanting and mulch the surface with leaves or straw to retain moisture.

Step 6: Care and Maintenance

Caring for your hybrid graft system is critical to ensure both plants thrive:

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Fertilizing: Use organic fertilizers like compost tea, fish emulsion, or banana peel water once every 2–3 weeks.
• Pruning: Regularly prune watermelon vines to prevent them from overtaking the mangosteen plant.
• Support: Provide a small trellis or stick support to direct watermelon growth.
• Pest Control: Use neem oil or garlic spray to deter pests naturally.

Step 7: Harvesting Fruits

Watermelon fruits can appear within 60–90 days of planting. Pick them once they reach full size, and the underside turns yellow. Mangosteen, on the other hand, takes longer—several years—but with good care and soil synergy from the watermelon vine, some growers report quicker establishment and earlier flowering due to improved root-zone activity.

Conclusion

While you cannot truly fuse mangosteen and watermelon into one biological plant, the creative grafting and combination growing method offers a fun and rewarding experience. It allows gardeners to maximize space, improve nutrient sharing, and enjoy the beauty of growing two distinct fruits together. This method is particularly suited for tropical and subtropical gardeners looking to experiment and innovate in their gardens. With care, patience, and a bit of creativity, you can grow a stunning “hybrid-style” fruit tree that amazes both in the garden and on your plate.