Watermelon – the word brings to mind the long, lazy days of summer, picnics and barbecues. Biting into a fresh, crisp, sweet watermelon dripping with juice is one of the pleasures highly anticipated in the cold days of winter. Crimson Sweet is a high quality old standard of home gardens. 20 - 25 pound fruit with bright crimson flesh. With just a little care can be easily grown in northern climates. 85 Days.
~ planting ~
When to sow outside: Recommended only for USDA zone 8 or warmer: 1 to 2 weeks after average last frost, and when temperatures are warm. When to start inside: Recommended for USDA zones 7 or colder: 4 to 6 weeks before average last frost.
~ harvesting ~
It can be tricky to know exactly when a watermelon is ripe and ready to pick. First, know the number of “days to harvest” and begin checking fruits as harvest date draws closer. Signs to look for are: (1) the bottom of the melon (where it lies on the soil) turns from light green to a yellowish color. (2) the surface color of the fruit turns dull; (3) the skin becomes resistant to penetration by the thumbnail and is rough to the touch; and (4) light green, curly tendrils on the stem near the point of attachment of the melon start to yellow and turn brown. All of these indicators may not necessarily occur at the same time.
