Citron Red Seeded Watermelon

This variety has been grown for centuries and used to make preserves, pickles, and "sweetmeats." It is possible that the watermelon originated in Africa and that it was cultivated in the Nile Valley as early as the 2nd millennium BCE and is mentioned in the Bible. Later the watermelon was brought to India and China before being brought to Europe. It was brought to North America by European colonists and African slaves.

• Conventional

This variety works for:

• Pickling

Try pickling the rinds of watermelons with cider vinegar and pickling spices or with a combination of sugar, cinnamon, and ginger. These pickles are a great addition to appetizer trays at parties.

Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Space hills 8' apart in all directions. Seeds will germinate in 4-10 days. Can also be started indoors 4 weeks before transplanting out. Watermelons love heat and prefer sandy or light-textured soils.

• Direct Seed: 1/2" Deep
• Seeds to Hill: 6-8 Seeds
• Thin: To 3-4 Plants
• Light: Full Sun