Watermelon : Blacktail Mountain

Vegetable Fruit

Description

(Greenhouse)

Developed in Idaho to be cold tolerant during summer nights, but also does well under warmer conditions. The fruits of Watermelon Blacktail Mountain have dark green skins with juicy, crunchy scarlet flesh, weighing up to 5kgs (11lbs).

Sowing Instructions

Sow seeds April to May. Sow 1cm (½in) deep, in 7cm (3.5in) pots of free-draining seed sowing mix. Place in a propagator and keep at a temperature of around 20-25C (68-77F) until after germination, usually 5-7 days.

Growing Instructions

When first true leaves develop, transplant into 13cm (5in) pots for a few weeks.

Aftercare

Warm the soil outdoors by covering with plastic mulch for 3-4 weeks before planting. After risk of frost, plant out 60cm (24in) apart. Water regularly and feed with liquid fertilizer every 14 days. Pinch out growing point at the 4 leaf stage and train the laterals (sideshoots) along the row. Hand pollinate if required.

Nutritional Information

Melons are rich in Vitamin A and C and are high in potassium.