Moon
and Stars Red-Flesh Watermelon is a standout heirloom variety with a
galaxy of small, bright yellow speckles around one or two round yellow
moons on a backdrop of deep green. Even the foliage is yellow-speckled!
This visually stunning watermelon grows up to 40 lbs. in oblong shape
and opens to sweet pink-red, flavorful flesh. This whimsical pattern,
combined with its large size, makes it a visually stunning addition to
your garden and a conversation starter at picnics and gatherings. Enjoy
the taste of summer days with this incredibly sweet, juicy and
refreshing watermelon eaten fresh, grilled, pickled, in fruit salads or
salsas, sorbets and margaritas.
Also Known As: Red Moon and Stars Watermelon, Old Fashioned Moon and Stars Watermelon, Heirloom Moon and Stars Watermelon, Celestial Watermelon
We ship in 1 business day. Shipped with USPS First Class Mail.
Plant Name:
|
Watermelon, Moon and Stars - Red Flesh
|
Latin Name:
|
Citrullus lanatus
|
Days to Germinate: |
7-14
|
Days to Harvest: |
80-100
|
Germination Rate: |
90% |
Test Date: |
11/23 |
Growth Habit: |
Vine |
USDA Zones: |
3-12 |
Lifespan: |
Annual |
Country of Origin: |
United States |
Sunlight: |
Full Sun, Partial Shade |
GMO: |
No |
Pollination:
|
Hybrid
|
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: |
No |
Seeds Packed For**: |
2024 |
*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds
are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are
still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as
the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.
Planting Instructions:
Soil Preparation:
Prepare
soil by removing large weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting
area. Dig or plow the soil 8-10 inches deep in winter or early spring.
You may optionally apply manure or compost at 50-100 pounds per 1,000
square feet, or 2-4 tons per acre , to build the organic matter content
of the soil. Turn the soil over to cover organic material completely.
Next, work the soil into ridges or hills 4-8 inches high and 12-14
inches wide. This creates well-draining soil beds. Heavier soils may
require higher soil beds. Place rows of watermelons 10-12 feet apart if
in irrigated conditions, and 12-16 apart if in un-irrigated conditions.
Since
melons are vining crops, they require a lot of space and are best for
larger gardens or lot-sized urban gardens; they may grow in small
gardens if vines are trellised and the fruit is supported. Melons grow
best in deep, well-draining sandy or sandy loam soil with plenty of
organic matter and a neutral pH. Heavy soils with lots of clay may cause
smaller sized plants and produce fewer melons.
Planting:
Try not to plant seeds until the soil warms in the spring and all danger
of frost is past since melons are warm-season crops and can be easily
injured by frost. Black plastic mulch can help to increase soil
temperature and give melons an earlier start on growth. To direct sow,
plant 6-8 seeds 1-1 1/2 inches deep in hills spaced 4-5 feet apart
within rows. Water after planting if soil is dry.
Transplanting,
in contrast to direct sowing, may save 10-12 days of harvest time. To
transplant, plant seeds in peat pots 2-4 weeks before transplanting.
Transplant into the garden before the second true leaf opens ("true
leaves" are the first two large leaves that appear before the smaller
"seed leaves" appear). After melon plants break through the soil, thin
to 2 plants per hill.
Planting Depth: |
1- 1/2 inch |
Within-Row Spacing:
|
4-5 feet
|
Between-Row Spacing:
|
10-16 feet
|
Watering: Water the at least 1 inch per week. High temperatures, high winds, and sandy soils will increase the need for water.
Weeding and Pruning:
Keep plants as weed-free as possible. When plowing or hoeing, be
careful not to cut too deeply into the soil near the melon plants as
cutting the feeder rooters which may slow the plant's growth. Fruit size
can be increased by pruning watermelons to two fruits per plant for
large varieties or four to six fruits per plant on small varieties.
Fertilizing:
Melons benefit from small amounts of fertilizer in 2 or 3 applications.
Dig a 4-6 inch deep trench, about 2 inches from the side of the row,
all down the row. You may optionally scatter 4 pounds of a complete
fertilizer for each 1,000 square feet of garden area (60-90 feet of row)
in the trench. Cover the fertilizer and plant so seeds do not touch the
fertilizer. Make the second fertilizer application when vines are 8
inches long; scatter 2-3 pounds of fertilizer per 60-90 feet of row 2-3
feet to the side of the row and mix it lightly with the soil.
Insecticides:
Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and
sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also
has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Bt
neem oil can be used to control the spider mites, and pyrethins can
control for the cucumber beetle. Neem oil and insecticidal soaps are
good ways to control for aphids. Before using a pesticide, read the
label and always follow cautions, warnings and directions.
Diseases: Rotating
crops is important for disease control. To prevent build-up of
diseases, it is advised that melons should not be planted in the same
place more than once every 3 or 4 years. If spots appear on the leaves
and no insects are present, a fungicide may be needed. Neem oil, sulfur,
and other fungicides may be used. Please always follow label
directions.
Judging
the ripeness of watermelon can require some skill. Some signs of a
ripened watermelon include: dull sound when thumped (dependent on the
size and type of melon and is often inaccurate), change in the color of
the rind (loss of glossiness in color), change in color of the soil spot
(if the spot the melon rested on in the soil turns a creamy, streaked
color), or death or drying of the tendril (if the tightly curled bit of
vine closest to the stem where the melon is attached dries, this is the
most dependable sign). Try not to harvest melons too early because the
sugar content does not increase after harvest.
Watermelon
Amount per 1 NLEA serving (280 g)
|
Calories 85
|
% Daily Value*
|
Total Fat 0.4 g
|
0% |
Saturated fat 0 g
|
0% |
Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g
|
|
Monounsaturated fat 0.1 g
|
|
Cholesterol 0 mg
|
0% |
Sodium 3 mg
|
0% |
Potassium 314 mg
|
8% |
Total Carbohydrate 21 g
|
7% |
Dietary fiber 1.1 g
|
4% |
Sugar 17 g
|
|
Protein 1.7 g
|
3% |
Vitamin A |
31% |
Vitamin C |
37% |
Calcium |
2% |
Iron |
3% |
Vitamin D |
0% |
Vitamin B-6 |
5% |
Cobalamin |
0% |
Magnesium |
7% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie
needs. |
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