Watermelon - Moon and Stars
SKU:
ME29008A
CA$3.90
CA$3.90
per item
Approximately 9 seeds per gram.
Lot# ME29008
Citrullus lanatus
The Moon & Stars Watermelon is a classic example of how a seed species nearly became extinct. Melons have been around for at least 4000 years or more. The Moon & Stars Watermelon was commercially introduced in 1924 by a seed house in the US. Over time, the seed became unpopular as new sweeter watermelons were developed. Moon & Stars Watermelon had completely disappeared from the commercial seed market for decades and was thought to be extinct. In 1981, the seed was reintroduced. The Moon & Stars Watermelon is a heavy watermelon averaging between 4.5–22.6 kg (10-50 lbs) and has a ridged dark green rind with yellow patches and speckles (Moon & Stars) which are genetic characteristics and not a disease. Leaves also share the same genetic mottling.
Lot# ME29008
Citrullus lanatus
The Moon & Stars Watermelon is a classic example of how a seed species nearly became extinct. Melons have been around for at least 4000 years or more. The Moon & Stars Watermelon was commercially introduced in 1924 by a seed house in the US. Over time, the seed became unpopular as new sweeter watermelons were developed. Moon & Stars Watermelon had completely disappeared from the commercial seed market for decades and was thought to be extinct. In 1981, the seed was reintroduced. The Moon & Stars Watermelon is a heavy watermelon averaging between 4.5–22.6 kg (10-50 lbs) and has a ridged dark green rind with yellow patches and speckles (Moon & Stars) which are genetic characteristics and not a disease. Leaves also share the same genetic mottling.
Planting Instructions:
- Sow 2-3 seeds 1cm (½") deep in 7-10cm (3-4”) pots. Thin to the strongest plant. Start seeds indoors or in a greenhouse mid to late April. Transplant at the end of May or the first week of June into the garden, when the plants are 5 weeks old and soil temperatures have warmed to 21-23̊ C (70-75 ̊ F). Set transplants 60-90cm (24-36") part in rows 1.5-2.0 m (5-6') apart. If direct seeding, sow after all danger of frost is past and sow 5 or 6 seeds in groups 6-8' apart.
- Soil Conditions: Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. Soil PH: 5.5-7.0, Ideal 6.3-6.5
- Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1cm (½") deep.
- Height at Maturity: 45-61 cm, (18-24"). Spread: 1.8-2.4 m (6-8’)
- Days to Maturity: (100 days)
- Watering: Watermelon has moderate water requirements to support leaf production. Try to use soaker hoses or drip lines to water with. This helps prevent fungal diseases and keeps water off the leaves.
- Sun/Shade: Full Sun
- Spacing after Thinning: 60-90cm (24-36") apart in rows 1.5-2.0m (5-6') apart
Additional Information:
Make lots of room for the Moon & Stars Watermelon as it spreads 6-8’ in any direction. There are 5 ideas of thought regarding the proper harvesting time of watermelons. (1) Some people thump them and listen for a dull sound, (2) Some people scratch the skin and believe that if the rind scratches easily the melon is ripe. (3) Some people look at the underside, where the melon has lain on the ground, to see if the color has changed from white to cream-colored. (4) Some people look to see that the tendril closest to the stem is turning brown and drying out. (5) Some people (like me) thump, scratch, look at the underside of the melon and then take a look at the tendril closest to the stem and just grab the largest melon and hope for the best.
Make lots of room for the Moon & Stars Watermelon as it spreads 6-8’ in any direction. There are 5 ideas of thought regarding the proper harvesting time of watermelons. (1) Some people thump them and listen for a dull sound, (2) Some people scratch the skin and believe that if the rind scratches easily the melon is ripe. (3) Some people look at the underside, where the melon has lain on the ground, to see if the color has changed from white to cream-colored. (4) Some people look to see that the tendril closest to the stem is turning brown and drying out. (5) Some people (like me) thump, scratch, look at the underside of the melon and then take a look at the tendril closest to the stem and just grab the largest melon and hope for the best.
