Oblong fruit with crimson red flesh and high sugar content (12 Brix). Tough rind suitable for transport.
Preparation
Watermelons need lots of room to roam. Choose a spot at the edge of the garden where vines can spread up to 2 meters. The soil must be sandy or loamy and well-drained.
How to Grow Watermelon
- Materials: Compost, shovel.
- Method: Sow 2-3 seeds in raised hills, 2-3cm deep. Space hills 1 meter apart. Thin to the strongest seedling per hill.Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep rooting. As the fruit reaches full size, stop watering. Too much water at the end dilutes the sugar and can cause the melon to split.
How to Harvest
- Harvest in 55-60 days.
- Look for three signs: the tendril nearest the fruit turns brown/dry, the ground spot turns creamy yellow, and the fruit sounds hollow when tapped.
Common Problems
- Fruit cracking happens with heavy rain after a dry spell.
- Beetles may attack young leaves; protect seedlings with row covers until they start to flower.
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