WATERMELON ‘Tender Sweet’ Seeds
Botanical Name: Citrullus lanatus
- A classic watermelon variety known for its bright orange, tender flesh that is exceptionally sweet and juicy.
- Produces large, oval-shaped fruits with a sturdy green rind, perfect for slicing and sharing on hot summer days.
- Ideal for home gardens in warm regions, producing fruit throughout the season.
- Perfect for slicing, juicing, or blending into smoothies.
- Frost-sensitive—best sown after the danger of frost has passed for vigorous growth and high yields.
- A reliable choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners seeking a traditional, dependable watermelon.
Plant Details:
- Plant Type: Annual trailing vine, reaching up to 3 meters in length
Sowing Information:
- Sow When:
- Temperate: October – December
- Subtropical: September – November
- Tropical: August – October
- Cool: Not recommended
- Arid: September – November
- Germination: 7 – 10 days
- Germination Temperature: 21 – 30 °C
- Depth: Sow seeds 2 – 3 cm deep
- Position: Full sun
- Sow Where: Directly in prepared garden beds or start in trays for transplanting
- Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil, pH 6 – 7.5
- Spacing: 90 – 120 cm between plants, 150 cm between rows
Details:
- Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruit development, to encourage large, sweet melons.
- Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Allow ample space for vines to spread naturally or grow vertically with sturdy trellises if space is limited.
- Feed plants with a balanced fertiliser or compost during early growth, then switch to a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertiliser once flowering begins to promote fruiting.
- Water at the base rather than overhead to help prevent fungal diseases on leaves and stems.
- If possible, rotate planting locations each year to reduce the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases.
- For even ripening, gently turn fruits occasionally so they rest on different sides.
- Consider using a piece of cardboard or straw under each developing melon to keep it clean and dry.
Harvest:
Approximately 80 – 95 days after sowing, when the fruit has developed a creamy yellow underside and produces a hollow sound when tapped.
