Watermelon- Golden Honey

Watermelon – Golden Honey (Citrullus lanatus)

Description

A rare heirloom watermelon variety known for its sweet, golden-yellow flesh and classic black seeds.

• Fruit Size: Approximately 25–30 cm in diameter, weighing up to 10 kg.
• Appearance: Light green striped rind with vibrant golden flesh.
• Flavour & Texture: Exceptionally sweet, crisp, and juicy.
• Uses: Ideal for fresh eating, fruit salads, or pairing with red-fleshed watermelon for a striking fruit platter.

How to Grow Guide

When to Sow

• Climate: Watermelon is a warm-season crop.
• Best Time to Sow: After the last frost, when temperatures are consistently warm. Check your local climate guide for seasonal timing.

Preparation

• Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours daily).
• Soil: Loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
• Preparation Tips:
  • Remove weeds and loosen soil to a good depth.
  • Enrich with compost or aged animal manure before sowing.
  • Keep area weed-free before and after planting.

Sowing Instructions

Depth & Spacing:

• • Sow seeds 20 mm deep.
  • Space seeds 75 cm apart in rows 125 cm apart.

Germination:

• • 10–14 days at a soil temperature of 27–32°C.

Tips:

• • Sow directly into garden beds.
  • Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Avoid sowing outdoors until all risk of frost has passed.
  • Protect young seedlings from pests and weather.

Growing Tips

• Watering:
  • Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil feels dry.
  • Water early in the morning or late afternoon.
  • Avoid wetting foliage to reduce disease risk.
• Fertilising:
  • Well-prepared soil usually requires no extra fertiliser.
  • For a boost, apply:
    • Slow-release fertiliser at transplanting or when seedlings are 5–10 cm tall.
    • Liquid fertiliser during flowering and fruiting stages.
• Support:
  • Can be grown on the ground (allow 2 m² per plant) or up a sturdy trellis.
  • Support heavy fruit with slings if grown vertically.
  • Pinch the vine tip to control growth and encourage fruiting side shoots.
  • Use mulch (e.g., straw or sugarcane) under ripening fruit to prevent rot.

Harvesting

• Time to Harvest: Approximately 85 days from sowing.
• Signs of Ripeness:
  • Tendril near fruit stem turns brown.
  • Hollow sound when tapped.
  • Underside of the fruit shows yellowing.
  • Fruit emits a sweet aroma and feels heavy for its size.
• Harvesting Tip: Cut fruit from the vine, leaving 5–10 cm of stem.
• Storage: Store in the fridge and consume within a few days for best flavour.

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