Watermelon Charleston Grey (8-12 kg)

Watermelon Charleston Grey (8-12 kg) — variety description

Watermelon Charleston Grey (8-12 kg) (Citrullus lanatus) is an annual vegetable of the Gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). This variety has elongated fruits that can reach up to 60 cm long.

They have a grey-green rind, and the flesh is pink-orange and ideally crisp and juicy.

Growing more like a squash, the plant should be left to sprawl in the sunniest possible spot — ideally sheltered (greenhouse, polytunnel or similar).

It can also thrive in a warm, sunny, sheltered spot outdoors.

Watermelon is the summer treat of the garden — juicy, sweet and refreshing. Requires warmth, sun and space.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 97%
• Seeds per packet: 9–13 pcs (1 g)
• Seed origin: Ukraine
• Sowing: April and May; seedlings or direct
• Harvest: August and September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Watermelon Charleston Grey (8-12 kg)

Watermelon Charleston Grey (8-12 kg) seeds are sown in April and May. Harvest in August and September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Watermelon Charleston Grey (8-12 kg)

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: 3–4 cm
• Spacing: 1–1.5 m
• Germination: 6–10 days at 25–30 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Watermelons can be sown directly; we recommend planting seeds every 30 cm to ensure good growth. Watermelons can be susceptible to disease if there is excess moisture on the leaves. As a result, we recommend using drip irrigation to reduce leaf moisture and feed the plants more efficiently. Watermelons also do well when transplanted. In early spring we recommend transplanting to get the growing season off to a quick start. Watermelon prefers higher temperatures for the seeds to germinate. We recommend starting 4-5 weeks before the desired date for planting outdoors. Watermelons are ready to harvest when the tendril near the fruit dries out completely. The tendril can be found between the fruit stalk and the fruit. It is usually curly and green, but will dry up when the fruits are ready for harvest.

Sow or plant when the soil is above 18 °C, in a sunny spot with light, sandy soil. Water generously until fruit set, then less often.

Harvest and use

It is ripe when the tendril by the stalk dries, the spot on the ground turns yellow, and it sounds hollow when tapped.

Frequently asked questions

When should Watermelon Charleston Grey (8-12 kg) be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April and May. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 9–13 seeds, pack size 1 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 97%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

How do I tell a ripe watermelon?

The tendril by the stalk is dry, the spot underneath is yellow-cream, and it sounds hollow when tapped.