this even surprised us
"this even surprised us"
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Watermelon, Early Canada Improved Seeds
Citrullus lanatus
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Product Information
Early Canada Improved is a Greybelle watermelon that produces nearly round fruits that can reach up to 6.5kg (15 lbs).
The rind is grey-green with darker veins encasing a sweet and delicious dark pink flesh. High yields make it perfect for home gardeners as well as market growers. Known for its sweetness and adaptability, it's a top choice for anyone looking to grow delicious melons.
- SKU: 143835
- Common Name: Watermelon
- Botanical Name: Citrullus lanatus
Growing Information
Safe
for Bees
Grows
Best In:
Full Sun
Days to
Germination:
5 - 7 days
Water
Needs:
Moist 5 cm (2 in.) per week
Days to
Maturity:
80 days
Key Features
- Plant Type: Fruit
- Plant Lifecycle: Annual (plant every year)
- Seed Type: Heirloom
- Fill Weight (grams): 1.5 g
- Approximate Seed Count: 10-15
- Characteristics: Attracts bees
- Planting Method: Direct Sow
- Water Needs: Moist 5 cm (2 in.) per week
- Landscape Use: Edible Garden
- Flavour: Sweet and juicy fresh
- Preparation Ideas: Eat fresh or make small watermelmon balls to use in fruit salad.
Instructions
Watermelon seeds can be sown directly into the garden when the soil is warm and all danger of frost is past. Soil temperature (not air temperature) should be above 18°C (65°F) . Plant 2-3 seeds in mounds 60-90 cm (24-36 in.) apart. Press seeds into the soil to ensure good contact and cover with 2.5 cm (1 in.) of soil. After planting, water the seeds with a gentle mist or shower. It is critical to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy during germination. When your seedlings reach a height of a few centimetres (inches) and have developed 2 or 3 pairs of leaves, it is important to thin them out, according to the plant spacing indicated below. Do not allow the soil to become dry, as young plants have underdeveloped roots and can quickly dehydrate, particularly in windy conditions. For an earlier crop, watermelon seeds can be started indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost in your area. Follow the seed depth and spacing guidelines indicated below. Once all danger of frost has passed, seedlings should be hardened off before planting in their growing location. Seedlings should be transplanted according to the plant and row spacing directions below. Regularly monitor your plants and ensure that the soil remains moist while they establish themselves in their new environment.
- Planting Depth: 2.5 cm (1in.)
- Seed Spacing: Sow 2-3 watermelon seeds per hill, keeping rows approximately 1.5-1.8 m (5-6') apart.
- Plant Spacing: 60-90 (24-36 in.)
- Instructions for Nutrient Care: Apply SUPERThrive once per week. Soak in solution of 1/4 tsp per gal for 15 min. or longer depending on size and type.
Suggestions
Growing Suggestions:
- Mulch watermelon plants to help retain moisture, regulate temperature, control weeds, and keep fruit clean.
- Use a row cover during the first few weeks of seedling growth to protect plants from insect pests. Remove covers when you see both male and female flowers on the vine, as pollinators will need to access the flowers.
- Water at the vine’s base in the morning, and try to avoid wetting the leaves and avoid overhead watering as this can encourge disease. Reduce watering once fruit are growing. Dry weather produces the sweetest watermelon.
- Vines produce male and female flowers separately on the same plant. Usually, male flowers start to emerge several weeks before the female ones. If the male flowers fall off, there is no need to worry as it's normal. The female flowers, which have a swollen bulb at the base, will remain on the vine and produce fruit. Consider growing bright-colored flowers nearby to attract pollinators.
- As the fruit is ripening, prevent rotting by gently lifting it and putting cardboard or straw between the fruit and the soil.
- Watermelons generally ripen over a two-week period and do not continue to ripen after they are picked. Fruit is ready to harvest when a) The watermelon is ripe when there is little contrast between the stripes. b) An immature watermelon will have a white bottom; a ripe melon will have a cream- or yellow-colored bottom. c) Check the tendril. If it’s green, wait. If it’s half-dead, the watermelon is nearly ripe or ripe. If the tendril is fully dead, it’s ripe or overripe. Stems should be cut with a sharp knife.
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Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 7 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Summary topics
Review topics: ["taste","variety"].
Review highlights
Reviews
seeds sprouted, hopefully will be
"seeds sprouted, hopefully will be good"
Planted seed straight in the ground in zone 3B
"This watermelon is a hardy variety and does very well in northern gardens. I planted 3 plants per large mound with sandy soil amended with compost. I didn't have to do anything special. Growing watermelon was a lot of fun and very rewarding. Harvest perfectly sweet fruits by end of August. I'll be growing these for years to come. Heirloom!"
Happy with results!
"Second time growing watermelons. I started them from seed a little early (7 weeks before transplanting them into my garden just a few days after the last frost date). They are very strong now and producing fruit. Can’t wait to begin harvesting in August/September!"
Super!
"Super!"
Fast shipping
"Fast shipping"
Incredible Watermelon
"Grew this variety correctly this year. Incredible sweet juicy flavor. Vines don't stray to far and there are many fruits. I even dared to start from seeds. Had more watermelon in September with great flavor. I highly recommend this variety for northern gardeners. Rob"
