Watermelon, Organic (Crimson Sweet)

Botanical Interests Organic Crimson Sweet Watermelon Seeds

Watermelon—the word brings to mind the long, lazy days of summer, picnics, and barbecues. 'Crimson Sweet' is a high-quality old standard of home gardens, weighing about 20–25 pounds with 6-10 foot vines and crimson flesh. With just a little care, it can be easily grown in northern climates; see inside of packet for details. The bottom turns ivory when ripe. Resistant to Fusarium wilt and anthracnose.

Sowing Information:

• Light: Full sun
• When to Start Inside: Not recommended except in very short growing seasons, 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting. Roots are sensitive to disturbance; sow in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the ground. Transplant when the soil temperature is at least 60°F.
• When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when the soil temperature is 70°–90°F.
• Seed Depth: Plant seeds ½ inch deep.
• Seed Spacing: 2–3 seeds per mound, 4-6 feet apart. 
• Thinning: When 3 leaves, thin to 1 plant per mound
• Days to Germinate: 5–10 days
• Days to Maturity: 85 days

Growing Notes:

• Harvesting: It can be tricky to know exactly when a watermelon is ripe and ready to pick. First, know the number of "days to harvest" and begin checking fruits as the harvest date draws closer. Signs to look for are: (1) the bottom of the melon (where it lies on the soil) turns from light green to a yellowish color; (2) the surface color of the fruit turns dull; (3) the skin becomes resistant to penetration by the thumbnail and is rough to the touch; and (4) light green, curly tendril on the stem near the point of attachment of the melon is brown and dry. All of these indicators may not necessarily occur at the same time.
  
• Variety Information: 'Crimson Sweet' produces 12x10 inch, 20–25 pound fruit with brilliant red, crisp, very sweet flesh. The rind is medium green with dark green striping. Resistant to Fusarium wilt and anthracnose.