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Citrullus lanatus 'Charleston Gray'
Watermelon
| Native to tropical Africa, Watermelons like long, hot summers where day temperatures reach at least 80º F and night coolness does not fall below 55º F. Along with the standard red-fleshed, seeded varieties, try seedless, yellow/orange- or white-fleshed, small-fruited baby and compact-growing, bush varieties. Plant in spring when day temperatures reach 60º F and danger of frost has passed. Sow 2 seeds or transplant, 4 to 6 feet apart, in 4-inch-high, flat-topped hills full of well-rotted manure and compost. Each vine produces 1 to 2 melons, so 2 to 4 hills are enough for one person. For pollination, plant melons with seeds near seedless types. Fertilize and water regularly. Keep leaves dry to reduce mildew. Mulch with hay to protect fruits on ground from moisture and rot. In cool summer areas, plant extra-early varieties and mulch with black plastic to raise soil temperature. Harvest when bottom of melon turns deep yellow and the skin turns from shiny or powdery to dull, usually 80 to 100 days. |
Harvest 24-inch-long, 30 to 35-pound fruits with crisp red fruit 85 days from planting. The vigorous vines resist sunburn, wilt and anthracnose.
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Attributes - Citrullus lanatus 'Charleston Gray'
Plant Type: Annual, Vine
Height: 1 ft. 6 in. to 2 ft.
Width: 10 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun
Notes: Thrives in Hot Climates. Edible. Susceptible to Aphids, Beetles, Powdery Mildew, Root Rot, Spider Mites.
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