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Watermelon
- A Description of Watermelons
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History: Watermelons originated in Southwest Africa and were prized for their ability to take up and hold a large amount of water - they were often used as a source of uncontaminated water. Their popularity spread to the Middle East and from there to southern Europe, particularly Spain and Portugal. By 1629 they had arrived in the U.S. and the southern States proved to have the perfect climate for growing them. Gradually, shorter season varieties were developed or brought from Russia so that northern gardeners could enjoy their juicy sweetness as well. Cultivation: Watermelons are heat-lovers and need regular watering. They are best started indoors 4 weeks before the last frost. Sow seed 1/4-1/2" deep in soil-less mix. Plant out 3-4' apart in rich soil in sun when temperatures and the soil have fully warmed. Transplanting too early into cool soil can cause the seedlings to rot. Do not disturb roots while transplanting. Companions: corn, squash
- Citron Watermelon, Red-Seeded
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Sustainably Grown
(80-100 days) I have been looking for a good variety of Citron for years! This is a very old heirloom watermelon that cannot be eaten raw (it's quite indigestible) but is absolutely delicious when preserved, pickled or candied. The attractive fruits are light green with dark green stripes and spots, and grow to 12 lbs. with white flesh and bright red seeds. These were grown by "every practical housewife" (according to a late 19th C. seed catalogue) in the 19th and early 20th centuries for making preserves and jam.
- Cream of Saskatchewan Watermelon
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Sustainably Grown
(80 - 85 days) Brought to Saskatchewan by Russian immigrants, this Watermelon produces small, round fruits with creamy, yellow flesh, thin rinds and exceptional flavour. This is a perfect watermelon for cold climates.
- Golden Midget Watermelon
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Sustainably Grown
Introduced in 1959, this early-maturing watermelon ripens in just 70 days, and the whole plant and fruits turn a golden-yellow colour when ripe (which makes it easy to tell when to pick it!). The flesh is bright pink - sweet and juicy.
- Malali Watermelon
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Rare; Certified Organic
(90 days). An Israeli heirloom, this plant produces 10-lb fruits with juicy, deep-red flesh and a sweet, unique flavour. This watermelon loves the heat and tolerates drought well, too. Reaches its full potential sweetness in extremely hot summers.
- Moon & Stars Watermelon
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Certified Organic
(95 days) An old watermelon from the 1930's which almost disappeared. The smooth, dark green skin is spotted with yellow blotches. The fruit has a big blotch (the moon) surrounded by smaller blotches (the stars) - very picturesque! The foliage is also spotted. The flesh is pink and juicy, with lots of seeds.
- Small Shining Light Watermelon
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Sustainably Grown
(80-90 days) A very old Russian variety that is perfectly suited for our short northern summers! Fruits are round, 10-12", with a dark green rind and sweet red flesh. Keeps for several weeks after picking.
- Sweet Siberian Watermelon
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Sustainably Grown
(85 days) A very old watermelon from Russia, Sweet Siberian was introduced to North America through the New Hampshire Agricultural Station in 1901. An excellent short-season watermelon, it produces medium-sized, elliptical, dark green fruits with golden yellow flesh considered "sweet and delicious" by catalogues of the time. For a long time, it was grown extensively by Hutterite colonies in Manitoba for market.
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