Description
Botanical name
Citrulus lanatus
Family
Cucurbitacae
Description
One of the earliest watermelons to come to maturity, this beautiful variety is perfect for northern climates but also does well in the south. The flesh is red and deliciously sweet. Fruit have a dark rind and weigh 3.5-4.5 kg (8-12 lb). Vines up to 3 m (10′).
Spacing
1 per 2 square feet, climbing
Depth
1 cm (½”)
Requirements
Prefers full sun and warmer weather. pH 6.0-6.8.
Pests
Known to be resistant to, but may be susceptible to, cucumber beetles. Delaying transplants to June could be beneficial.
Timing
Because melons require a lot of heat, we need to start them indoors. Melons do not like to be transplanted so start them off in CowPots. Sow in May for transplanting in June.
Germination
Seeds will sprout in 5-10 days.
Growing
Water melons from below as much as possible and protect fruit from birds and squirrels with a wire mesh if needed. See link below on growing melons vertically in small spaces.
Harvest
70-75 days
Season
Warm, annual
