Watermelon Red Seeded Citron
$4.49
Citrullus Vulgaris
- Seed Count 10
- Used To Make Jams & Preserves
- Annual
In stock
Description
At first glance, the Watermelon Red Seeded Citron looks like a small, round watermelon, but when cut into it you’ll find a pale green to white, dense crunchy flesh dotted with shocking red seeds scattered throughout with a very mild to almost absent flavor.
Sometimes people taste a young, not-quite-ripe honeydew, others taste cucumber, and still others taste young pumpkin.
The lack of flavor from a fresh-picked fruit might surprise you, especially since it looks so much like the beloved watermelon. The real value of citron melon isn’t the fresh taste, but in what it can do for jams, jellies, marmalades, preserves, and pickles.
Citron melons have naturally high concentrations of pectin, the traditional gelling agent for jams, jellies, and marmalades, as well as fruit pies and cobblers.
The high pectin content makes them perfect for candied fruit for fruitcakes and desserts. After cooking, citron melon’s natural flavors become more apparent. This explains the watermelon’s more common name, the “Jam Melon”.
| Method: Sow direct | Soil Temp: 21°C - 35°C |
| Cool Mountain: Sep - Dec | Position: Full sun |
| Arid: Sep - Mar | Row Spacing: 75 cm |
| Temperate: Aug - Dec | Planting Depth: 10 mm |
| Sub Tropical: Aug - Jan | Harvest: 80 Days |
| Tropical: Apr - Jul | Plant Height: 20 cm |
Climate and Seasonal Timing
- Temperature Requirements: Watermelons require temperatures above 20°C for germination and optimal growth. Ideal growing temperatures range between 21°C and 35°C.
- Planting Seasons: See climate guides on product description.
- Frost Sensitivity: Ensure all threat of frost has passed before planting. Use protective covers if unexpected cold snaps occur.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
- Sunlight: Choose a site with full sun exposure. Watermelons require at least 8-10 hours of sunlight daily.
- Soil Type: Prefer sandy loam that is rich in organic matter. Heavy clay soils can be amended with compost or sand to improve drainage.
- Soil pH: Maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Conduct soil tests and amend soil with lime if the pH is too low.
Planting Techniques
- Direct Seeding vs. Transplanting: Direct seed watermelons in the ground or start indoors and transplant. Transplanting can give plants an early start.
- Spacing: Space mounds about 75 cm apart.
- Isolation from Wind and Weeds: Use windbreaks or plant near natural barriers. Employ mulch to suppress weeds.
Watering and Irrigation
- Initial Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during germination and initial growth.
- Drip Irrigation: Use drip irrigation to deliver consistent moisture and minimize fungal diseases associated with overhead watering.
- Reduced Watering at Fruit Maturation: Gradually decrease watering as fruits start to mature to concentrate sugars and improve sweetness.
Fertilisation and Nutrient Management
- Initial Fertilisation: At planting, use a balanced slow-release fertiliser with emphasis on potassium for fruit development.
- Supplemental Feeding: Apply a side dressing of compost or additional fertiliser throughout the growing season, focusing on nitrogen during vine growth, and phosphorus and potassium when fruits start to develop.
Pest and Disease Control
- Common Pests: Monitor for aphids, cucumber beetles, and cutworms. Utilize organic pesticides or companion plants for natural deterrents.
- Diseases: Practice crop rotation to reduce fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Use resistant varieties when available. Ensure proper airflow and sunlight penetration by pruning leaves if necessary.
Companion Planting
- Beneficial Companions:
- Marigolds: Deter nematodes with their strong scent.
- Radishes: Protect against cucumber beetles and enhance soil health.
- Corn: Acts as a natural windbreak and provides shade for younger plants.
Avoid Planting With:
- Potatoes: They compete for nutrients and attract similar pests.
- Other Cucurbits: Avoid planting near cucumbers and zucchinis to prevent cross-attraction of pests and diseases.
Harvesting
- Timeframe: Typically, watermelons are ready to harvest about 80 days after planting, depending on the variety.
- Indicators of Ripeness: The watermelon should have a hollow sound when tapped, the underside will turn a creamy yellow, and the tendril near the fruit stem will dry out.
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