Watermelon Seeds - Dixie queen

Dixie queen watermelons are greenish-white with green stripes. Harvesting home-grown fruits and vegetables can bring a sense of pleasure and accomplishment. The Cuban queen variety of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is an easy-to-grow crop that produces delicious, sweet fruits. It is an heirloom variety and an early-bearing crop that can be grown as an annual in all parts of the United States.

Sowing:In colder regions, it is recommended to start heirloom Dixie Queen watermelon seeds indoors at least a month before transplanting. When planting, use three seeds per peat pot, sowing them 1/4" deep. To ensure proper growth, maintain a soil temperature of at least 80-85 degrees F by providing heat. Once true leaves appear, choose the healthiest seedling and remove any others. Transplant the chosen seedling approximately one week after the last frost, placing two or three plants in each hill with a 6-8' distance between them. For those living in warmer climates, it is possible to sow watermelons directly into the soil once it reaches a temperature of 75 degrees F. Plant six seeds per hill and thin out to the two or three strongest seedlings after germination. Watermelons thrive in full sun and require rich and loose soil. Using black plastic to warm up the soil can benefit young seedlings.

Growing: As the vines start to grow, it is recommended to apply a generous layer of mulch to prevent weeds and protect the watermelon from direct contact with the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until the fruit starts to form, and only water if the soil becomes fully dry. Be aware of potential insect issues that may arise.

Harvesting: As a knowledgeable expert in the watermelon industry, it is important to know the approximate mature size of the Dixie Queen watermelon in order to determine its ripeness. This can be done through various methods, such as knocking on the watermelon to listen for a dull thump instead of a hollow ring, checking the underside for a rich yellow skin, and monitoring the tendril closest to the stem for signs of browning. With proper care, watermelons can be stored for several weeks in a cool location.