DESCRIPTION
Growing Klondike Striped Blue Ribbon Watermelon Garden Seeds
Sowing & Growing:
Directly sow Klondike Striped Blue Ribbon Watermelon seeds after your region's final frost. In northern regions, sow seeds in late May in order to ensure warmer conditions. Plant non-GMO seeds ½-1" deep. Space plants 1" apart and 6-8" in between raised rows. Germination will take 5-10 days. These summer annual melons prefer soil that is sandy or has a light loaminess with a pH level of 6.5-7.5. In general, most watermelon varieties need warm and well-drained soil that's slightly acidic or neutral. In order to grow successful watermelon crops, Klondike Striped Blue Ribbons need an Organic fertilizer that is nitrogen-based. Once the watermelons begin to bloom, it's recommended to use a fertilizer that has more potassium and phosphorus. Place cardboard or straw mulch underneath in order to lift the melons off the ground and provide them with a base. These durable watermelon seeds can tolerate a slight drop in summer temperatures. Most watermelons need higher temperatures and don't grow well in a cooler climate. However, in comparison to other melon varieties, Klondike Striped Blue Ribbon watermelons can adapt if there's a mild chill that fluctuates in your region. Lightly water young plants or once the soil is dry. Water less once they go to bloom, as this variety is drought-tolerant and can withstand a watermelon sunburn.
Harvesting:
Harvest your Klondike Striped Blue Ribbon Watermelon plants once they show any of the following ripe melon signs: light-yellow hue on the belly of the watermelons, dried or cracked stem, the rind feels dull to the touch or the fruit easily falls off from its stem with a gentle press. Use gardening shears to detach the melon from the stem. Don't be discouraged if it takes some time to figure out the perfect time for harvesting your abundant watermelon crop. You can also begin checking for ripeness around 80 days from the sowing date. Larger watermelon varieties can stay on the vine for a bit longer than their smaller counterparts. Be sure to not pick your Klondike Striped Blue Ribbons too early, as their crisp bite and smooth fruit flavor is well worth the wait. Due to this melon's thin exterior, some gardeners even eat the rind!
Facts:
Klondike Striped Blue Ribbon Watermelon non-GMO seeds were cultivated in the early 1900s by Mr. Porter. This heirloom variety originates from California and has become more durable to adapt to any garden.
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Citrullus lanatus |
Variety: |
"Klondike Blue Ribbon" |
Color: |
Jade and light-green exterior with rose-red fruit |
Flavor: |
Crisp, sweet with smooth texture |
Growing Info
Days to Maturity: |
80-90 days |
Hardiness Zones: |
3-10 |
Planting Depth: |
½-1" |
Plant Spacing: |
1 Inch |
Row Spacing: |
6-8 Inches |
Growth Habit: |
Spreading-vine |
Soil Preference: |
Fertile, light loam, well-drained and soil pH 6.5-7.5 |
Temp Preference: |
Warm to hot |
Light Preference: |
Full sun |
Other
Pests/diseases: |
Flea beetles, leaf miners and cabbage loopers |