Moon & Stars Van Doren Watermelon by Kokopelli Association, is an ancient watermelon variety that gets its name from the unmistakable spots reminiscent of a starry sky on its rind. As a curiosity, the leaves also have yellow spots. This watermelon plant was recovered by Seed Savers Exchange in US, donated by Merle Van Doren from Missouri.
Moon & Stars Van Doren Watermelon characteristics
Moon and Stars watermelon produces 1-2kg oval fruits, 30-40cm long. The pulp is deep red in colour and contains numerous seeds. The fruit is very juicy and exceptionally sweet.
Moon & Stars Van Doren Watermelon, cultivation
Watermelon plants require high temperature conditions. To germinate, the ambient temperature must be between 21-35ºC. Below 15ºC the seeds do not germinate. They can be germinated directly in open ground, in a pot or in a seedbed, 3cm depth.
When germinated in a seedbed or pot, the transplant is done when night temperature does not drop below 15ºC. The seedlings are planted at least 150cm apart from each other.
Watermelon is a fruit that requires a lot of sun and water to grow properly. It benefits from rich and well-drained soils, with a pH between 6.0-7.5. It requires a lot of water to grow, especially during flowering and fruit stages. It is advisable to water it frequently but without flooding. It is also important to fertilise the plant regularly with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser for the first few weeks after planting, and then change to a phosphorus- and potassium-rich nutrient to promote fruit development.
The watermelon is a crawling plant, since the fruits are very heavy. It is ready to harvest from July to October in the Northern Hemisphere.
