Watermelon Sweetie - Citrullus lanatus

Watermelon Sweetie - Citrullus lanatus

Watermelon Sweetie produces large, oblong fruits with deliciously sweet flesh and a strong striped green rind. The vigorous vines produce high quality fruit with good keeping qualities. Fruits are best harvested when the underside turns yellow and the watermelon sounds hollow when tapped.

Packet Quantity: 30 seeds

Planting Instructions

Sowing Time:
Spring and Summer. In warmer areas, sowing can extend into early Autumn. Watermelons require warm soil and plenty of sunshine to grow well.

Position:
Full sun in a warm, sheltered position. Allow plenty of space for the vigorous vines to spread.

Soil:
Well drained, fertile soil enriched with compost or well rotted manure. Prepare the soil with organic fertiliser before sowing.

Sowing Depth:
12 mm

Spacing:
Sow 2 to 3 seeds per group, with groups 40 to 50 cm apart. Thin seedlings to the 2 strongest plants once established. Allow approximately 100 cm between rows.

Germination Time:
6 to 10 days. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination.

Harvest Time:
Approximately 12 to 14 weeks from sowing, depending on growing conditions.

Growing Tips

Sow directly into the garden once the soil has warmed and the risk of frost has passed. Watermelon plants do not like root disturbance, so direct sowing is recommended where conditions allow.

Prepare the soil well before planting by incorporating compost or well rotted manure. Keep plants well watered throughout the growing season, particularly while the plants are flowering and fruiting.

Watermelons produce vigorous trailing vines, so give them plenty of room to spread. A warm position with good sunlight will encourage strong growth and better fruit development.

To encourage additional side shoots, pinch out the growing tips when plants reach around 5 to 6 leaves.

Harvest when the underside of the fruit turns yellow and the watermelon produces a hollow sound when tapped. Regular harvesting encourages you to pick the fruit at its best stage of ripeness.