If you’re looking to add something special to your garden, consider growing Crimson Sweet watermelons. These delicious and visually appealing fruits are not only some of the best-tasting melons but also have excellent disease resistance. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, growing Crimson Sweet melons is a breeze. The reward for your efforts will be a sweet treat that you can enjoy at the end of the season. Let’s dive into what makes Crimson Sweet watermelons so exceptional and how you can successfully grow them in your garden.
Discovering the Crimson Sweet
Who can resist the allure of fresh, juicy watermelon? By growing your own Crimson Sweet watermelons, you’ll have a continuous supply of this delectable fruit whenever your taste buds crave it. These watermelons are bright red with firm flesh and bring the essence of summer right to your table, fresh from your very own melon patch. With a few helpful tips, you and your family can enjoy the luscious taste of Crimson Sweet watermelons within just 80 days, under favorable growing conditions.
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Crimson Sweet watermelons were introduced by Kansas State University in 1963 and have since become a favorite among commercial growers due to their exceptional shipping and storing capabilities. The melons grow to a substantial size, weighing between 15 to 25 pounds (7-11 kg). Their beautiful dark and light green stripes, coupled with their deeply red flesh, make them an eye-catching addition to any garden. These oval-shaped melons, with their blunt ends, ripen precisely when the summer heat is at its peak.
The vines of Crimson Sweet watermelons can reach a length of 6 to 8 feet (about 2 m), sprawling in every direction. Fortunately, these melons are resistant to fusarium wilt and anthracnose, two common fungal diseases that can wreak havoc on your garden. This natural resistance, along with other traits, makes taking care of Crimson Sweet watermelons a breeze compared to other varieties that lack such defenses.
Cultivating Crimson Sweet Watermelons
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To ensure successful growth, choose a bright and sunny location in your garden for your Crimson Sweet watermelons. These melons thrive on hills as they provide warmer soil, deeper root space, and better irrigation opportunities that keep moisture away from the delicate leaves.
Prepare the soil thoroughly by working it deeply and incorporating plenty of organic matter. In regions with a shorter growing season, start seeds indoors three to four weeks before the last expected frost. Once the threat of frost is gone, transplant the seedlings to the garden bed, spacing them 2 to 3 feet apart (61-91 cm) in rows that are 6 to 8 feet (about 2 m) apart. If you’re transplanting seedlings, be sure to harden them off for a week before planting them in the ground.
Complement the growth of your watermelons by side dressing them with compost. In colder regions, use row covers at the beginning of the season to keep temperatures warm. However, remove the covers once the flowers start to appear to allow for proper pollination.
Nurturing Your Crimson Sweet Watermelons
To ensure the health and productivity of your Crimson Sweet watermelons, it’s essential to provide them with the right care. Use soaker hoses around the mounds to water the roots directly, avoiding any moisture on the leaves. This practice helps prevent various fungal diseases that can be caused by excessive moisture.
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Keep a consistent level of moisture in the soil until the fruits start to appear. Once this happens, reduce the frequency of watering and only water when the soil becomes dry. This strategy allows the melons to concentrate their sugars, resulting in sweeter fruit.
Protect your plants from flying insect pests by using row covers or pyrethrin-based insecticides. This will help safeguard your precious watermelons from potential damage.
When it comes time to harvest, look for a change in the rind’s color from bright to dull green. You can also tap on the fruit to check for a low-pitched tone. Once harvested, the fruits can be stored unrefrigerated for two to three weeks. However, for longer-lasting freshness, consider storing them in a cool place, such as a basement.
With a bit of care and patience, you’ll soon be enjoying the mouthwatering taste of your very own Crimson Sweet watermelons. So why not embark on this delightful gardening adventure and add a touch of summer to your garden?
Source: https://roweorganic.com
Category: Plants