The blocky oval fruit has dark green stripes and weights 30-50 lbs. The flesh is bright red, firm, and very sweet. Disease resistant plants produce vigorous vines providing lots of sunburn protection. Best in areas with plenty of warm weather.
Culture: Directly sow seed well after last frost date when soil has warmed. Usually sown in groups (hills) of 3-5 seeds and thinned to the 2 strongest plants per group. Can be started indoors four weeks earlier. Water regularly and fertilize when lateral runners begin to spread.
Harvest: When underside turns from white to yellowish. Also, thump the melon; a dull, hollow sound indicates ripeness.
Nutrition: A good source of vitamins A and C.
- Planting Depth: 1" (2.5 cm)
- Seeds per Group (Hill): 3-5
- Spacing Between Seeds: 1" (2.5 cm)
- Spacing of Groups (Hills): 8' (240 cm)
- Days to Germination: 7-14
- Thin to Plants per Group (Hill): 2
- Days to Maturity: 80-90