Melon, Watermelon: Moon and Stars (Heirloom) (Citrullus lanatus)
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A stunning heirloom, Moon & Stars watermelon was first offered in 1926 by Peter Henderson & Company as "Sun, Moon, and Stars." It disappeared from the public eye until being rediscovered in 1987 at Merle Van Doren's farm in Macon, Missouri. These melons get their name from the small yellow "stars" and large yellow "moons" on the dark green rind.
Scientific Name: Citrullus lanatus
Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Annual
Days to Maturity: 95 days
Growing Habit: Vine
Hardiness: Very Tender. Melons can't tolerate cold weather.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Summer
Growing Season: Long
Cultivar Type: Extra Early
Growing Conditions: Warm, Hot, Long days. Melons must have hot (ideally 90Ż F) sunny weather if they are to make the sugar needed to produce sweet fruits. In cooler areas you need to give them as much sun and heat as possible. They should also be sheltered from cool winds.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 65°F - 95°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 70°F. Melons need warm weather, so don’t plant them until all danger of frost is past and the soil temperature is at least 70˚ F.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot). Watermelon is a desert plant and needs full sun.
Water: Moderate. Watermelons need to produce a lot of leaves to make enough sugar to produce sweet fruit. To do this they need a constant supply of water. The best way to water them is with a drip system or soaker hose, as they don't like having wet leaves (this encourages fungus disease).
Feeder: Heavy. Not surprisingly for such a large and vigorous plant, watermelons are fairly hungry feeders. Melons don't need a lot of nitrogen as it encourages leaf growth at the expense of fruit. They do like phosphorus (give them colloidal phosphate) and potassium (wood ashes), as well as boron and magnesium.
Suitability: High heat, Needs lots of space.
Small Gardens?: No
Containers?: No. Most Watermelons are too big to comfortably grow in containers, but a few of the smaller cultivars will work if the container is big enough (at least 18" wide and deep and preferably bigger). This is sometimes done in cool climates, where the plants are grown in greenhouses. When growing such large plants in containers you have to be particularly attentive to watering. You will probably need to support them too.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Plant Height: 6-12"
Spacing: 5-6'
Sow Depth: 1/4"
Hardiness Zone: 4-11
Produces: rounded 30-40 lb. dark green watermelons with large and small bright yellow spots and crimson flesh.
Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Annual
Days to Maturity: 95 days
Growing Habit: Vine
Hardiness: Very Tender. Melons can't tolerate cold weather.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Summer
Growing Season: Long
Cultivar Type: Extra Early
Growing Conditions: Warm, Hot, Long days. Melons must have hot (ideally 90Ż F) sunny weather if they are to make the sugar needed to produce sweet fruits. In cooler areas you need to give them as much sun and heat as possible. They should also be sheltered from cool winds.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 65°F - 95°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 70°F. Melons need warm weather, so don’t plant them until all danger of frost is past and the soil temperature is at least 70˚ F.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot). Watermelon is a desert plant and needs full sun.
Water: Moderate. Watermelons need to produce a lot of leaves to make enough sugar to produce sweet fruit. To do this they need a constant supply of water. The best way to water them is with a drip system or soaker hose, as they don't like having wet leaves (this encourages fungus disease).
Feeder: Heavy. Not surprisingly for such a large and vigorous plant, watermelons are fairly hungry feeders. Melons don't need a lot of nitrogen as it encourages leaf growth at the expense of fruit. They do like phosphorus (give them colloidal phosphate) and potassium (wood ashes), as well as boron and magnesium.
Suitability: High heat, Needs lots of space.
Small Gardens?: No
Containers?: No. Most Watermelons are too big to comfortably grow in containers, but a few of the smaller cultivars will work if the container is big enough (at least 18" wide and deep and preferably bigger). This is sometimes done in cool climates, where the plants are grown in greenhouses. When growing such large plants in containers you have to be particularly attentive to watering. You will probably need to support them too.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Plant Height: 6-12"
Spacing: 5-6'
Sow Depth: 1/4"
Hardiness Zone: 4-11
Produces: rounded 30-40 lb. dark green watermelons with large and small bright yellow spots and crimson flesh.
Soil Preparation
Soil pH: 5.5-7.0, Ideal 6.3-6.5
The ideal soil for Watermelons is loose (sandy loam is best), moist, fertile and well-drained with lots of organic matter. It should also be fairly neutral.
Soil Preparation:
Standard Mix, 2 handful(s), at transplanting, 1 time: Standard mix will supply additional phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and other nutrients. Incorporate it into the planting hole when transplanting (or into the top 6" of soil if direct sowing). This is a mix of various amendments intended to supply all of the nutrients plants may require. It is usually incorporated into the soil prior to planting. The mix consists of:
Mix these together thoroughly. You can do this all at once, or you can store them separately and mix as needed.
Compost (N), 4 cup(s) per plant, at transplanting, 1 time: Incorporate 1 quart of compost or aged manure (melons love old manure) into the soil that came out of the planting hole. Mix it, and then put it back in to create the mound (you will sow your seeds on the mound).
Lime (Calcium), 5 pound(s) per 100 sq. ft., in top 6in of soil, 1 time: Melons dislike acidic soil, so lime the soil if necessary (preferably with dolomitic lime as this also adds magnesium). The quantity required will vary according to the pH, but 5 pounds per 100 square feet would be a typical application.
The ideal soil for Watermelons is loose (sandy loam is best), moist, fertile and well-drained with lots of organic matter. It should also be fairly neutral.
Soil Preparation:
Standard Mix, 2 handful(s), at transplanting, 1 time: Standard mix will supply additional phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and other nutrients. Incorporate it into the planting hole when transplanting (or into the top 6" of soil if direct sowing). This is a mix of various amendments intended to supply all of the nutrients plants may require. It is usually incorporated into the soil prior to planting. The mix consists of:
- 4 parts cottonseed meal (this is high in nitrogen and relatively inexpensive)
- 2 parts colloidal phosphate or bone meal (for phosphorus)
- 2 parts wood ash or 3 parts greensand or granite dust (for potassium)
- 1 part dolomitic limestone (to balance pH and add calcium and magnesium)
- 1 part kelp meal (for trace elements)
Mix these together thoroughly. You can do this all at once, or you can store them separately and mix as needed.
Compost (N), 4 cup(s) per plant, at transplanting, 1 time: Incorporate 1 quart of compost or aged manure (melons love old manure) into the soil that came out of the planting hole. Mix it, and then put it back in to create the mound (you will sow your seeds on the mound).
Lime (Calcium), 5 pound(s) per 100 sq. ft., in top 6in of soil, 1 time: Melons dislike acidic soil, so lime the soil if necessary (preferably with dolomitic lime as this also adds magnesium). The quantity required will vary according to the pH, but 5 pounds per 100 square feet would be a typical application.
Start Indoors
Seed Sowing Depth: 0.5" to 2.0". Sow the seed 1/2" deep in cool soil, and 2" deep in warm soil.
Soil temp for germination: 60°F to 100°F, optimal 70°F to 95°F, optimal 95°F.
Total weeks to grow transplant: 11 to 12 (Spring/Summer), (Fall/Winter)
Germinate:
On last frost date: Start them indoors and warm the soil with black plastic or cloches before planting. Like most Cucurbits they dislike root disturbance, so should be started in cell packs, soil blocks or individual 4" pots (best).
1. Plant 2 seeds to a 4" pot.
2. Thin to the best one after both have emerged.
Don’t start your Melons too early, as you don’t want them to get rootbound. If it is too cold to put them out when they are ready, you will have to move them into larger pots.
Soil temp for germination: 60°F to 100°F, optimal 70°F to 95°F, optimal 95°F.
Total weeks to grow transplant: 11 to 12 (Spring/Summer), (Fall/Winter)
Germinate:
On last frost date: Start them indoors and warm the soil with black plastic or cloches before planting. Like most Cucurbits they dislike root disturbance, so should be started in cell packs, soil blocks or individual 4" pots (best).
1. Plant 2 seeds to a 4" pot.
2. Thin to the best one after both have emerged.
Don’t start your Melons too early, as you don’t want them to get rootbound. If it is too cold to put them out when they are ready, you will have to move them into larger pots.
Transplant Outdoors
3-4 weeks after last frost date: The seedlings will be ready to plant out 3 to 4 weeks after sowing, when they have at least 3 or 4 true leaves.
1. Plant out the seedlings up to their first true leaves and water immediately.
2. When they have recovered from transplanting, give them a liquid feed to give the a boost.
In cool areas you might want to plant your melon seedlings under row covers until the weather warms up.
Warm, Hot, Long days: Melons must have hot (ideally 90Ż F) sunny weather if they are to make the sugar needed to produce sweet fruits. In cooler areas you need to give them as much sun and heat as possible. They should also be sheltered from cool winds.
When outdoor temp: 65°F to 95°F, optimal temp 80°F to 85°F
When min soil temp: 70°F. Melons need warm weather, so don’t plant them until all danger of frost is past and the soil temperature is at least 70˚ F.
Spacing: 48.0"-72.0", (3 per 4'x4') plants per sq ft.
Hills: Melons are most often planted in hills, slightly elevated above the surrounding soil. This helps the soil warm up faster and provides better drainage (melons rot easily in wet soil). Make the hills 2' in diameter, and 4 to 6' apart, with 6 plants to a hill. Thin to the 3 strongest plants per mound. This is the most recommended way to plant and gives plants space to sprawl.
Intensive Beds: Intensive gardeners plant Melons 15, 18, or 24" apart, depending upon the soil and the size of the variety. They are usually planted in rows to facilitate supporting them and grown upwards so they take up less space.
Rows: Space the plants 18 to 24" apart, in rows 72" apart.
1. Plant out the seedlings up to their first true leaves and water immediately.
2. When they have recovered from transplanting, give them a liquid feed to give the a boost.
In cool areas you might want to plant your melon seedlings under row covers until the weather warms up.
Warm, Hot, Long days: Melons must have hot (ideally 90Ż F) sunny weather if they are to make the sugar needed to produce sweet fruits. In cooler areas you need to give them as much sun and heat as possible. They should also be sheltered from cool winds.
When outdoor temp: 65°F to 95°F, optimal temp 80°F to 85°F
When min soil temp: 70°F. Melons need warm weather, so don’t plant them until all danger of frost is past and the soil temperature is at least 70˚ F.
Spacing: 48.0"-72.0", (3 per 4'x4') plants per sq ft.
Hills: Melons are most often planted in hills, slightly elevated above the surrounding soil. This helps the soil warm up faster and provides better drainage (melons rot easily in wet soil). Make the hills 2' in diameter, and 4 to 6' apart, with 6 plants to a hill. Thin to the 3 strongest plants per mound. This is the most recommended way to plant and gives plants space to sprawl.
Intensive Beds: Intensive gardeners plant Melons 15, 18, or 24" apart, depending upon the soil and the size of the variety. They are usually planted in rows to facilitate supporting them and grown upwards so they take up less space.
Rows: Space the plants 18 to 24" apart, in rows 72" apart.
Start Outdoors
When Warm, Hot, Long days: Melons must have hot (ideally 90Ż F) sunny weather if they are to make the sugar needed to produce sweet fruits. In cooler areas you need to give them as much sun and heat as possible. They should also be sheltered from cool winds.
When outdoor temp: 65°F to 95°F, optimal temp 80°F to 85°F
When min soil temp: 70°F. Melons need warm weather, so don’t plant them until all danger of frost is past and the soil temperature is at least 70˚ F.
Seed Depth: 0.5"-2.0". Sow the seed 1/2" deep in cool soil, and 2" deep in warm soil.
Spacing: 48"-72", (3 per 4'x4') plants per sq ft.
Hills: Melons are most often planted in hills, slightly elevated above the surrounding soil. This helps the soil warm up faster and provides better drainage (melons rot easily in wet soil). Make the hills 2' in diameter, and 4 to 6' apart, with 6 plants to a hill. Thin to the 3 strongest plants per mound. This is the most recommended way to plant and gives plants space to sprawl.
Intensive Beds: Intensive gardeners plant Melons 15, 18, or 24" apart, depending upon the soil and the size of the variety. They are usually planted in rows to facilitate supporting them and grown upwards so they take up less space.
Rows: Space the plants 18 to 24" apart, in rows 72" apart.
Summer Crop:
3-4 weeks after last frost date: If your growing season is long and hot enough, you will probably want to direct sow your Melons. They will germinate and grow rapidly in warm (75˚ F) soil.
In moist climates watermelons are usually grown on hills from 3 to 12" high, as this helps the soil to warm up faster and provides better drainage (melons rot easily in wet soil). To make a hill remove 2 spade of soil, dump in 2 spades of compost or aged manure), then replace the soil. Mix it all together and shape it into a low mound.
In dry climates they may be planted in a slight depression (remove 2" of soil and use it to make a water retaining rim) to conserve moisture.
Whether sowing in hills or basins you usually sow 6 seeds in a circle, 1" deep and 4" apart. Plant the seeds ½˝ to 1˝deep. When all the seeds have germinated you should thin to the best 3 (pinch out the rest).
If the soil is warm and dry you might want to pre-soak the seeds overnight before planting, especially if you are sowing directly outside.
Support: Optional. Watermelons are most often allowed to run over the ground, but if space is limited they may be trained up a trellis, just as you would cucumbers (though they don't climb very well). However the fruits are much heavier than cucumbers and will need support (slings made from old panty-hose work well.) Also the trellis itself will have to be pretty sturdy. If a fruit is growing on the ground you can insert a board, tile or stone underneath it, to keep it off the soil.
When outdoor temp: 65°F to 95°F, optimal temp 80°F to 85°F
When min soil temp: 70°F. Melons need warm weather, so don’t plant them until all danger of frost is past and the soil temperature is at least 70˚ F.
Seed Depth: 0.5"-2.0". Sow the seed 1/2" deep in cool soil, and 2" deep in warm soil.
Spacing: 48"-72", (3 per 4'x4') plants per sq ft.
Hills: Melons are most often planted in hills, slightly elevated above the surrounding soil. This helps the soil warm up faster and provides better drainage (melons rot easily in wet soil). Make the hills 2' in diameter, and 4 to 6' apart, with 6 plants to a hill. Thin to the 3 strongest plants per mound. This is the most recommended way to plant and gives plants space to sprawl.
Intensive Beds: Intensive gardeners plant Melons 15, 18, or 24" apart, depending upon the soil and the size of the variety. They are usually planted in rows to facilitate supporting them and grown upwards so they take up less space.
Rows: Space the plants 18 to 24" apart, in rows 72" apart.
Summer Crop:
3-4 weeks after last frost date: If your growing season is long and hot enough, you will probably want to direct sow your Melons. They will germinate and grow rapidly in warm (75˚ F) soil.
In moist climates watermelons are usually grown on hills from 3 to 12" high, as this helps the soil to warm up faster and provides better drainage (melons rot easily in wet soil). To make a hill remove 2 spade of soil, dump in 2 spades of compost or aged manure), then replace the soil. Mix it all together and shape it into a low mound.
In dry climates they may be planted in a slight depression (remove 2" of soil and use it to make a water retaining rim) to conserve moisture.
Whether sowing in hills or basins you usually sow 6 seeds in a circle, 1" deep and 4" apart. Plant the seeds ½˝ to 1˝deep. When all the seeds have germinated you should thin to the best 3 (pinch out the rest).
If the soil is warm and dry you might want to pre-soak the seeds overnight before planting, especially if you are sowing directly outside.
Support: Optional. Watermelons are most often allowed to run over the ground, but if space is limited they may be trained up a trellis, just as you would cucumbers (though they don't climb very well). However the fruits are much heavier than cucumbers and will need support (slings made from old panty-hose work well.) Also the trellis itself will have to be pretty sturdy. If a fruit is growing on the ground you can insert a board, tile or stone underneath it, to keep it off the soil.
To grow sweet tasting watermelons the plants must have plenty of sun, warm temperatures, lots of nutrients, room to grow and a good supply of water.
Water Needs: Moderate. Watermelons need to produce a lot of leaves to make enough sugar to produce sweet fruit. To do this they need a constant supply of water. The best way to water them is with a drip system or soaker hose, as they don't like having wet leaves (this encourages fungus disease).
Fertilizer Needs: Heavy. Not surprisingly for such a large and vigorous plant, watermelons are fairly hungry feeders. Melons don't need a lot of nitrogen as it encourages leaf growth at the expense of fruit. They do like phosphorus (give them colloidal phosphate) and potassium (wood ashes), as well as boron and magnesium.
Side Dressing, after sowing: Mulch, 2 inch(es), after sowing, 1 time. Mulch helps to conserve moisture in the soil in hot weather. Don’t apply it until the soil has warmed up however.
Thinning, after sowing: 18 inch(es) apart, after sowing, 1 time. When all of the seeds have germinated, thin the plants to their final spacing.
Pruning, when 12" tall: when 12in tall, 2 times. The seedlings should be pinched back twice, so they produce a bushy plant with four growing tips. These are then allowed to grow and flower.
Side Dressing, at early fruit set: Compost tea, 2 cup(s) per plant, at early fruit set, every 3 weeks
If the soil isn't very fertile you might want to feed the plants with compost tea regularly once the flowers start to set fruit. Side dressing should be done cautiously, as too much nitrogen may merely vegetative foliage growth at the expense of fruiting.
Watering, before fruit set: Water, 0.5 gallon(s) per plant, before fruit set, 2 times a week
Melons are quite shallow rooted so they need a constant and even supply of water. Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist but never soggy for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 2" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.
Thinning, during fruit production: during fruit production. Ideally you want one fruit to develop simultaneously on each of the four shoots. If one shoot produces a fruit before the others, it should be pinched off, as it may prevent the plant from producing any more. Once you have four fruits developing, you should pinch off any others that form. The fewer fruit you allow to develop, the bigger they will all get.
Watering, during fruit production: Water, 2 gallon(s) per plant, during fruit production, 1 time a week. Melons prefer a constant and even supply of water, especially when the fruits are sizing up. They should get all the water they can use at this time (in very hot weather this could be as much as 2 gallons a day). Ideally it should be lukewarm so it doesn’t cool the soil. When the fruits have reached full size you should ease up on watering, otherwise the fruit may split. The best way to water Melons is with a drip system, as they don’t like having wet leaves (this encourages fungus disease).
Support: Optional. Watermelons are most often allowed to run over the ground, but if space is limited they may be trained up a trellis, just as you would cucumbers (though they don't climb very well). However the fruits are much heavier than cucumbers and will need support (slings made from old panty-hose work well.) Also the trellis itself will have to be pretty sturdy. If a fruit is growing on the ground you can insert a board, tile or stone underneath it, to keep it off the soil.
Water Needs: Moderate. Watermelons need to produce a lot of leaves to make enough sugar to produce sweet fruit. To do this they need a constant supply of water. The best way to water them is with a drip system or soaker hose, as they don't like having wet leaves (this encourages fungus disease).
Fertilizer Needs: Heavy. Not surprisingly for such a large and vigorous plant, watermelons are fairly hungry feeders. Melons don't need a lot of nitrogen as it encourages leaf growth at the expense of fruit. They do like phosphorus (give them colloidal phosphate) and potassium (wood ashes), as well as boron and magnesium.
Side Dressing, after sowing: Mulch, 2 inch(es), after sowing, 1 time. Mulch helps to conserve moisture in the soil in hot weather. Don’t apply it until the soil has warmed up however.
Thinning, after sowing: 18 inch(es) apart, after sowing, 1 time. When all of the seeds have germinated, thin the plants to their final spacing.
Pruning, when 12" tall: when 12in tall, 2 times. The seedlings should be pinched back twice, so they produce a bushy plant with four growing tips. These are then allowed to grow and flower.
Side Dressing, at early fruit set: Compost tea, 2 cup(s) per plant, at early fruit set, every 3 weeks
If the soil isn't very fertile you might want to feed the plants with compost tea regularly once the flowers start to set fruit. Side dressing should be done cautiously, as too much nitrogen may merely vegetative foliage growth at the expense of fruiting.
Watering, before fruit set: Water, 0.5 gallon(s) per plant, before fruit set, 2 times a week
Melons are quite shallow rooted so they need a constant and even supply of water. Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist but never soggy for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 2" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.
Thinning, during fruit production: during fruit production. Ideally you want one fruit to develop simultaneously on each of the four shoots. If one shoot produces a fruit before the others, it should be pinched off, as it may prevent the plant from producing any more. Once you have four fruits developing, you should pinch off any others that form. The fewer fruit you allow to develop, the bigger they will all get.
Watering, during fruit production: Water, 2 gallon(s) per plant, during fruit production, 1 time a week. Melons prefer a constant and even supply of water, especially when the fruits are sizing up. They should get all the water they can use at this time (in very hot weather this could be as much as 2 gallons a day). Ideally it should be lukewarm so it doesn’t cool the soil. When the fruits have reached full size you should ease up on watering, otherwise the fruit may split. The best way to water Melons is with a drip system, as they don’t like having wet leaves (this encourages fungus disease).
Support: Optional. Watermelons are most often allowed to run over the ground, but if space is limited they may be trained up a trellis, just as you would cucumbers (though they don't climb very well). However the fruits are much heavier than cucumbers and will need support (slings made from old panty-hose work well.) Also the trellis itself will have to be pretty sturdy. If a fruit is growing on the ground you can insert a board, tile or stone underneath it, to keep it off the soil.
Harvesting
Ripening:
The first fruits should be ready to harvest in mid to late summer, about 55 to 85 days after pollination.
When a Watermelon is ripe the tendril closest to the fruit usually shrivels up and turns brown. The spot where the melon was resting on the ground will be whitish or yellow and the stripes will fade. If you tap the fruit it will sound hollow (learn what this sounds like by tapping every fruit before opening and remembering the sound of the good ones).
When and How:
Whole Fruit, 1-42 days after maturity:
When: This depends upon the variety, but the first fruits should be ready to harvest in mid to late summer, about 45 to 75 days after pollination. The key to great Melons is to pick them at the peak of ripeness, so don’t pick a melon before its time (or after).
When a Watermelon is ripe the tendril closest to the fruit usually shrivels up and turns brown. The spot where the melon was resting on the ground will be whitish or yellow and the stripes will have faded. If you tap the fruit it will sound hollow (learn what this sounds like by tapping every fruit before opening and remembering the sound of the good ones).
How: Cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a couple of inches of stem attached. Handle the fruit carefully once it is harvested, as it will bruise very easily.
The first fruits should be ready to harvest in mid to late summer, about 55 to 85 days after pollination.
When a Watermelon is ripe the tendril closest to the fruit usually shrivels up and turns brown. The spot where the melon was resting on the ground will be whitish or yellow and the stripes will fade. If you tap the fruit it will sound hollow (learn what this sounds like by tapping every fruit before opening and remembering the sound of the good ones).
When and How:
Whole Fruit, 1-42 days after maturity:
When: This depends upon the variety, but the first fruits should be ready to harvest in mid to late summer, about 45 to 75 days after pollination. The key to great Melons is to pick them at the peak of ripeness, so don’t pick a melon before its time (or after).
When a Watermelon is ripe the tendril closest to the fruit usually shrivels up and turns brown. The spot where the melon was resting on the ground will be whitish or yellow and the stripes will have faded. If you tap the fruit it will sound hollow (learn what this sounds like by tapping every fruit before opening and remembering the sound of the good ones).
How: Cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a couple of inches of stem attached. Handle the fruit carefully once it is harvested, as it will bruise very easily.
Storage
Watermelons can be stored in a fridge for a couple of weeks, but their flavor will slowly deteriorate.
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-14 days
The fruit should be treated like tomatoes and kept at room temperature. Ideally they should be eaten as soon as possible, as they will only deteriorate over time.
Storage Req:
Storage Temp: 55-60°F
Storage Length: 1-7 days
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-14 days
The fruit should be treated like tomatoes and kept at room temperature. Ideally they should be eaten as soon as possible, as they will only deteriorate over time.
Storage Req:
Storage Temp: 55-60°F
Storage Length: 1-7 days
Watermelons are cross-pollinated by insects so you can either grow only one variety at a time, isolate by a 1/2 mile, cage them or hand pollinate.
Hand pollinating Watermelons isn't difficult, though the flowers are smaller than other Cucurbits. The flowers are most receptive to pollination before any fruit start growing. Once there are fruit maturing on the plant they become less inclined to produce more by pollinating successfully.
You need to prepare to pollinate the flowers the night before, by finding some male and female flowers (the female has a tiny "Melon" behind the flower) that are about to open the following day. Tape them shut with a little piece of masking tape (don't tape it too well or it will be hard to remove without damaging the flower). This prevents them from opening and being pollinated before you get to them.
The next day pick a male flower and remove its tape and petals. Then carefully open a female flower (from a different plant), being very careful to not damage the petals. Insert the male flower into a female flower and brush the pollen from the anthers on to stigma. Finally tape the female flower closed again. The petals will soon fall off and if pollination was successful the tiny fruit will begin to grow.
If you are adventurous, you could collect the seed from any ripe fruit as you eat it (so long as it isn't an f1 hybrid) and see what grows. In the case of Melons, I would avoid hybrids for this reason, it seems a shame not to be able to use some of those seeds.
Seed Viability in Years: 2-4 years
Germination Percentage: 80%
Hand pollinating Watermelons isn't difficult, though the flowers are smaller than other Cucurbits. The flowers are most receptive to pollination before any fruit start growing. Once there are fruit maturing on the plant they become less inclined to produce more by pollinating successfully.
You need to prepare to pollinate the flowers the night before, by finding some male and female flowers (the female has a tiny "Melon" behind the flower) that are about to open the following day. Tape them shut with a little piece of masking tape (don't tape it too well or it will be hard to remove without damaging the flower). This prevents them from opening and being pollinated before you get to them.
The next day pick a male flower and remove its tape and petals. Then carefully open a female flower (from a different plant), being very careful to not damage the petals. Insert the male flower into a female flower and brush the pollen from the anthers on to stigma. Finally tape the female flower closed again. The petals will soon fall off and if pollination was successful the tiny fruit will begin to grow.
If you are adventurous, you could collect the seed from any ripe fruit as you eat it (so long as it isn't an f1 hybrid) and see what grows. In the case of Melons, I would avoid hybrids for this reason, it seems a shame not to be able to use some of those seeds.
Seed Viability in Years: 2-4 years
Germination Percentage: 80%
Taste:
Extraordinarily sweet and flavorful.
Culinary Use:
Watermelon is best eaten fresh all by itself, however it can also be used in, salads, drinks, soup, sorbets, and Granita. The fresh flavor and water content make it perfect for experimenting in the summer heat. It pairs well with arugula and goat cheese for a crunchy summer salad.
You can also freeze flesh in a honey-based syrup. The rind can be pickled
Extraordinarily sweet and flavorful.
Culinary Use:
Watermelon is best eaten fresh all by itself, however it can also be used in, salads, drinks, soup, sorbets, and Granita. The fresh flavor and water content make it perfect for experimenting in the summer heat. It pairs well with arugula and goat cheese for a crunchy summer salad.
You can also freeze flesh in a honey-based syrup. The rind can be pickled
May be planted in between hills of corn. Grow them with corn, nasturtiums, peas, sunflowers, squash, cucumbers, pumpkins and radishes. Nasturtium helps to deter bugs and beetles. Oregano provides general pest protection.
Nutrition
Watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 92% water, along with vitamins A and C and small amounts of B6. It also contains minerals such as Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, and Phosphorous. It is also high in the phytonutrient lycopene.
Health Benefits of Watermelon
Kidney Disorders: Watermelons contain a lot of potassium, which is very helpful in cleaning or washing out the toxic depositions in the kidney. Moreover, it is helpful in reducing the concentration of uric acid in the blood, thereby reducing the chances of kidney damage and the formation of renal calculi in that organ. Added to this, being high in water content, it induces frequent urinating, which is again helpful for cleaning of the kidneys. Also, the anti oxidants present in watermelon ensure good health of the kidneys for a long time, and reduce signs of premature aging like wrinkles and age spots on the skin.
Prevents Heat Stroke: Watermelon is effective in reducing both your body temperature and blood pressure. Many people in tropical regions eat this fruit every day in the afternoon during the summer to protect themselves from heat stroke. In India, you will find the fruit being sold by vendors in almost every street during the summer season. The high amount of water contained in watermelon also stimulates a release of excess liquid in the form of sweat, which cools your body further during hot summer days.
High Blood Pressure: The good amount of potassium and magnesium that is present in watermelons is very beneficial in terms of bringing down blood pressure. Potassium is considered a vasodilator, meaning that it releases the tension of blood vessels and arteries, thereby stimulating increased blood flow and reducing the stress on the cardiovascular system. The carotenoids present in these fruits also prevent hardening of artery walls and veins, thereby helping to reduce blood pressure and the chances of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis.
Prevents Cancer: Watermelons have been in the public eye more and more in recent years, primarily because of their impressive level of lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient compound that is increasingly being linked to cancer prevention. As the years go by and the studies continue to bring in consistent results, lycopene has been shown to significantly reduce the risks of prostate, breast, colon, lung, and endometrial cancer. All in all, between the antioxidant potential of vitamin C and the impact of lycopene, watermelon is a great anti-cancer fruit!
Diabetes: Diabetic patients, who are supposed to have a low energy and low sugar diet, often complain about starving since they don’t get to eat their staple diets, which gives them the feeling of being half fed. Watermelons can be a good supplement for them. In spite of being sweet in taste, a thick wedge will give you very few calories, since ninety nine percent of its total weight is composed of water and roughage. Moreover, the various vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium help in proper functioning of insulin in the body, thus lowering the blood sugar level. Arginine, another component found in watermelons, is very effective at enhancing the impact of insulin on blood sugar. Diabetic patients can also have curries, steaks, and salads made from water melon rinds, which are even lower in sugar.
Heart Care: Lypocene, a carotenoid found in abundance in watermelon, improves cardiac functions. Beta carotene, known for its remarkable antioxidant and anti-aging properties, also keeps you young at heart and prevents age-related cardiac problems. The roughage in water melon and its very low energy, along with help from vitamin-C, carotenoids and potassium (potassium cuts the risk of a heart attack), helps to reduce cholesterol and keep your heart safe from a variety of dangerous conditions.
Macular Degeneration: Don’t worry about eye health and macular degeneration if you eat plenty of watermelon, because between the beta carotene, vitamin-C, lutein, and zeaxanthin, your eyes are well protected. They will ensure protection of your eyes from age-related blindness and degeneration, and these antioxidants will protect your eyes from other age-related ailments such as drying up of eyes and optical nerves, as well as glaucoma.
Impotence: Arginine, present in watermelon, is beneficial in curing erectile dysfunction, and the stimulating nature of the chemical can boost libido, reduce frigidity and give a kick start to your love life, after you enjoy a few slices of watermelon together!
Other Benefits: Lypocene is found to be effective in repairing damaged tissues. Watermelon seeds are rich in beneficial fats and proteins. Watermelons also contain phytonutrients which have very good effects on the health and proper functioning of internal organs, eyes, and the secretion system.
Prevents Heat Stroke: Watermelon is effective in reducing both your body temperature and blood pressure. Many people in tropical regions eat this fruit every day in the afternoon during the summer to protect themselves from heat stroke. In India, you will find the fruit being sold by vendors in almost every street during the summer season. The high amount of water contained in watermelon also stimulates a release of excess liquid in the form of sweat, which cools your body further during hot summer days.
High Blood Pressure: The good amount of potassium and magnesium that is present in watermelons is very beneficial in terms of bringing down blood pressure. Potassium is considered a vasodilator, meaning that it releases the tension of blood vessels and arteries, thereby stimulating increased blood flow and reducing the stress on the cardiovascular system. The carotenoids present in these fruits also prevent hardening of artery walls and veins, thereby helping to reduce blood pressure and the chances of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis.
Prevents Cancer: Watermelons have been in the public eye more and more in recent years, primarily because of their impressive level of lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient compound that is increasingly being linked to cancer prevention. As the years go by and the studies continue to bring in consistent results, lycopene has been shown to significantly reduce the risks of prostate, breast, colon, lung, and endometrial cancer. All in all, between the antioxidant potential of vitamin C and the impact of lycopene, watermelon is a great anti-cancer fruit!
Diabetes: Diabetic patients, who are supposed to have a low energy and low sugar diet, often complain about starving since they don’t get to eat their staple diets, which gives them the feeling of being half fed. Watermelons can be a good supplement for them. In spite of being sweet in taste, a thick wedge will give you very few calories, since ninety nine percent of its total weight is composed of water and roughage. Moreover, the various vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium help in proper functioning of insulin in the body, thus lowering the blood sugar level. Arginine, another component found in watermelons, is very effective at enhancing the impact of insulin on blood sugar. Diabetic patients can also have curries, steaks, and salads made from water melon rinds, which are even lower in sugar.
Heart Care: Lypocene, a carotenoid found in abundance in watermelon, improves cardiac functions. Beta carotene, known for its remarkable antioxidant and anti-aging properties, also keeps you young at heart and prevents age-related cardiac problems. The roughage in water melon and its very low energy, along with help from vitamin-C, carotenoids and potassium (potassium cuts the risk of a heart attack), helps to reduce cholesterol and keep your heart safe from a variety of dangerous conditions.
Macular Degeneration: Don’t worry about eye health and macular degeneration if you eat plenty of watermelon, because between the beta carotene, vitamin-C, lutein, and zeaxanthin, your eyes are well protected. They will ensure protection of your eyes from age-related blindness and degeneration, and these antioxidants will protect your eyes from other age-related ailments such as drying up of eyes and optical nerves, as well as glaucoma.
Impotence: Arginine, present in watermelon, is beneficial in curing erectile dysfunction, and the stimulating nature of the chemical can boost libido, reduce frigidity and give a kick start to your love life, after you enjoy a few slices of watermelon together!
Other Benefits: Lypocene is found to be effective in repairing damaged tissues. Watermelon seeds are rich in beneficial fats and proteins. Watermelons also contain phytonutrients which have very good effects on the health and proper functioning of internal organs, eyes, and the secretion system.