Things Needed
The first ice box watermelons ( Citrullus lanatus ) were introduce to the United States more than a half century ago , but only began to be promptly available during the last part of the twentieth century . accord toWashington State University , " icebox " simply is a weight naming ; icebox watermelon weigh 6 to 15 pounds , while " personal " size melon are less than 6 pounds and outing - size melons matter more than 15 pounds . Icebox watermelon plant tending is easy to do , and it will secure you will be able-bodied to enjoy this juicy summertime favorite from your own garden .
1. Choose Icebox Watermelon Seeds
Purchase icebox watermelon seeds . Pick Blacktail Mountain , Orchid Sweet , Southern Light , Early Crimson Treat or Navajo Sweet if you need an eight- to 10 - pound Citrullus vulgaris . pick out Yellow Dell , Red Doll , Petite Perfection , Little Boy or New Queen if you would like a watermelon under eight pounds . For a release from the typical red - fleshed watermelon vine , prefer Sunshine , which theNorth Carolina State Extensionnotes has yellow flesh .
2. Start the Seeds Indoors
Sow icebox watermelon seed indoors three to five weeks before the first frost . aim a source into a cum starter kit filled with potting mix . Place one seeded player in each compartment , and cover it with soil to a depth of one column inch , then water . order the eyelid on the ejaculate entrant outfit and set up it in a brightly lit location , out of direct sun . When the icebox watermelon seeds sprout , remove the hat , place the kit in a gay spot , and keep the potting mixture moist but never sodden .
you could hop-skip this step and unmediated - sow your icebox watermelon vine seeds in the garden after all terror of frost has draw .
3. Prepare the Planting Site
select an area with full sunlight and well - draining soil . Till the garden spot with a rototiller to remove widow’s weeds and grass from the ground . Rake the area with a garden slant to off weeds and pasture . Mark row with a garden hoe by placing the bound of the hoe at the beginning of the wrangle and dragging it in a unbowed dividing line to the opposite end of the garden , keeping the astuteness of the row three to four in . Mark parallel rowing six feet apart from each other .
you may also grow icebox Citrullus vulgaris in raised beds if your garden soil is poor or does n’t drain well .
4. Transplant the Seedlings
Transplant the seedling in your garden one to two weeks after the danger of first frost . apprehend a hole one to two inches mysterious with a garden trowel . Place the seedling in the ground so the roots are below ground level , then overlay the roots with poop . Space each seedling three feet apart .
5. Keep Seedlings Watered
Water the watermelon seedlings with a lachrymation can or garden hosiery . start out at the away sharpness of the vine and work toward the base of the industrial plant . Soak roots heavily with water supply every Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or twice a twenty-four hours if you are experiencing extremely dry conditions .
6. Mulch Around Plants
Add a layer of pine barque , wood chips , leaves or true pine straw around the Citrullus vulgaris plants . direct a three- to four - inch level of material around the plants to conserve moisture and control weeds . Place a one- to two - in - compact layer in between rows .
7. Harvest the Fruit
reap the yield 65 to 75 day after constitute . Check for fruit that is around six to 10 hammering , leaves that are late green , and yield that sounds vacuous when it is thumped . Pick fruit at least twice a workweek by twisting the watermelon until it break free of the vine .
Warning
Check the seed packet to see if your variety if seedless . If so , it must be engraft with seed varieties for pollination purpose .
References
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