Not only is this variety incredibly tasty, Moon & Stars will blow your mind with it's extraordinary markings! The rind is deep green, speckled with tiny yellow “stars” and one or more larger yellow “moons;” the foliage is also speckled. A stunning heirloom, Moon & Stars watermelon was first offered in 1926 by Peter Henderson & Company as "Sun, Moon, and Stars." It disappeared from the public eye until being rediscovered in 1987 at Merle Van Doren's farm in Macon, Missouri. These melons get their name from the small yellow "stars" and large yellow "moons" on the dark green rind. Fruits are 25–40 lbs., and about 15" long. The sweet, pinkish/red flesh has old fashioned watermelon flavor. Large seeds make this variety a true, summertime eat and spit watermelon.
~ planting ~
In cool climates, watermelon seeds should be started indoors, but no sooner than a month before transplanting; plant three seeds per peat pot, 1/4" deep. Provide heat to keep the soil at least 80-85 degrees F. Cut off all but the strongest seedling as soon as true leaves appear, and transplant about a week after frost; put two or three plants in each hill with a 6-8' space in all directions.
Gardeners in warm climates will be able to direct sow watermelons as soon as the soil temperature reaches at least 75 degrees F, planting six seeds per hill with 6-8' of space in all directions. Thin to the strongest two or three plants as soon as the seedlings appear. Watermelons should be planted in full sun and rich, loose soil. Young seedlings may benefit from black plastic to warm up the soil.
~ 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.
