Watermelon 'Mountain Sweet Yellow' (Organic)
Donated to Seed Savers in the USA in 1991 by Dr Larry Woods, the variety actually dates back to the 1950s where it was grown for its firm yellow flesh and superb flavour. An excellent example of heirlooms being selected, cultivated and shared by gardeners across the world.
Melons (both watermelons and rockmelons) need to be sown in warm soil and germinate between 18-22 deg C. Like pumpkins, they are best sown on mounds, 1m apart. Sow 3 or 4 seeds where you want one plant to grow, and remove the weaker plants once seed germinates. A sandy, well drained soil of pH 6 is ideal. While the vines are growing, they need plenty of water and nutrients, so good soil preparation is essential; however, once the fruit has set, too much water can lead to watery tasteless fruit. For large, lush melons, allow a maximum of 3 fruits per vine before pinching out the ends of the vines and allowing these fruit to develop.