Crimson Sweet Watermelon

An excellent variety for gardeners and growers alike, with vibrant red, firm, fine-textured flesh and silver and dark green striping.
	
Classic sweet flavor
	
15-25 lbs
 
 
CULTURAL INFO
Watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) are warm season tender annuals in the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers, summer squash and winter squash, and gourds
Soil Nutrients and Requirements
 
GROWING INFORMATION
Sandy or light textured soils that warm easily in the spring are desirable. Melons are heavy feeders. Give 80-120 lbs of N per acre. Calcium deficiency can lead to blossom end rot, especially when adequate moisture is not available.  Use dolomitic limestone.
 
PLANTING INFORMATION
Seeding Depth
½”
Plant Spacing
Plant spacing: 12-18"
Row Spacing
6’ row centers.
When to Sow
Days to maturity are from transplanting, add 10-14 days if direct seeding.
Other Considerations
Plastic mulch and floating row cover are used to increase soil and air temperatures as well as ward off insects, especially cucumber beetles.
Harvest
Ripeness is determined by four methods: when the tendril nearest the fruit is dried and brown; when the ground spot has turned from white to yellow; when the blossom end of fruit becomes soft; and the ubiquitous “thump test”— fruit should sound hollow. Cut fruit cleanly from the vine to avoid stem-end rot.  
Storage
Store at 45°F and 85% humidity for up to 3 weeks.