Watermelon Moon & Stars
£1.39 – £10.29
A well know heirloom from the USA dating back to 1926 and possibly even earlier in Russia. Its unique feature is its celestially patterned rind: dark green with brilliant, golden spangles and one large, lunar spot. They can grow up to 20 kg, but in the UK they are likely to be smaller and are best grown under glass where possible, as they need warmth.
Watermelon Moon & Stars
A well know heirloom from the USA dating back to 1926 and possibly even earlier in Russia. Its unique feature is its celestially patterned rind: dark green with brilliant, golden spangles and one large, lunar spot. They can grow up to 20 kg, but in the UK they are likely to be smaller and are best grown under glass where possible, as they need warmth. The leaves are also specked in yellow. The flesh is red, very sweet and an excellent culinary variety. Will struggle outside in the UK unless very sheltered and we have a good hot summer.
Cultivation advice Watermelon Moon & Stars
- Prepare soil by digging and incorporating liberal amounts of well-rotted compost or farmyard manure over-winter. Watermelons thrive in a sunny, very warm location
- Sow April to May 1 cm (½in) deep, in 7 cm (3.5 in) pots of free-draining seed sowing mix. Place in a (propagator, airing cupboard) and keep at a temperature of around 20-25 C (68-77 F) until after germination, usually 5-7 days.
- When first true leaves develop, transplant into 13 cm (5 in) pots for a few weeks.
- Plant out 24 inches apart after carefully hardening off after all risk of frost in a warm sheltered position in full sun or for a more reliable crop under glass.
- Water regularly and feed with liquid fertilizer every 14 days.
- Pinch out growing point at the 4 leaf stage and train the laterals (side-shoots) along the row. Hand pollinate if required.
- At harvest time, tap the watermelon with your knuckles, and if it sounds hollow, it’s ripe.
