Many channels make the claim that the tendril dying is the surest way to know a watermelon is ripe. Its not. The tendril can be damaged and die. It can be knocked off. It is a good sign that the vine is STARTING to die. However it is the first thing to die on the vine. The vine is still producing nutrients for a few days. If you want to know when the melon is done, no more, all it will ever recieve, and full ripeness. Reach down and see if the vine will snap of with a single finger. Never cut a watermelon vine. If you have to cut the vine you just cut it too early. Will it be ripe. It depends the vine can also die prematurely. However no amount of leaving will make it riped further once the vine is dead
