Additional images and information via the Seed Savers Collective
This is a Russian variety of watermelon that was first offered in 1898 by Peter Henderson and Co. The variety produces a 10 pound, oblong watermelon with sweet, apricot colored flesh. This watermelon has a short growing season of just 80 days.
Planting/Harvesting Notes
- Plant in full sun with well draining soil.
- This melon should be grown on the ground. The melons are too large to be grown on a trellis.
- Water moderately, but be careful as this melon is susceptible to cracking once ripe.
- Check frequently for ripeness once the melon reaches about the size of a soccer ball.
- Plant is ready to harvest 80-85 days after planting.
- Expect 1-2 melons per vine.
How do I know if my watermelon is ripe?
Watermelon won’t ripen off the vine so it’s important to know when your melon is ripe. The best way to tell if a watermelon is ripe is to look at the small tendril in the crotch of the stem connecting the melon to the main vine. The crotch of this stem should also have a small, oval shaped leaf called the spoon leaf. Once both the spoon leaf and the tendril are completely dried, the melon is ripe and ready to be picked. Keep in mind that the spoon leaf may dry up and fall off. If the tendril is completely dried and the spoon leaf is dried or not present, the melon is ready to be picked.
