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• Latin Name: Citrullus lanatus
• Other Names: Garrisonian Watermelon
• Days to Maturity: 85 days
• Hardiness Zone: Annual, not intended for overwintering. Suitable for all USDA hardiness zones.
• Planting Depth: 1/2 inches
• Plant Spacing: 36 inches
• Row Spacing: 3-6 inches
• Growth Habit: Vigorous vines; oblong fruit weighing an average of 35 lbs.
• Soil Preference: Well-draining soil with high fertility and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5
• Temp Preference: Requires soil above 50 degrees F for proper growth; germinates best in soil that is 65 to 95 degrees F
• Light Preference: Full sun
• Pests/diseases: Striped or spotted cucumber beetles, aphids, squash vine borer, squash bugs, flea beetles, powdery mildew, cucumber mosaic virus, scab, Phytophthora
• Color: Rose-colored flesh, light green rind with dark green stripes
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Heirloom Garrisonian Watermelon Growth Habits

Garrisonian watermelon fruit can grow as heavy as 35 lbs. Watermelon plants do well in very fertile soil that's at least 50 degrees F, but preferably warmer. If your growing season is long enough, you can directly sow Garrisonian watermelon seeds in the garden once the soil reaches about 70 degrees F. If your growing season is shorter, you can start the watermelon seeds indoors 2 to 4 weeks before your last frost date, and then transplant the seedlings into the garden when the threat of frost has completely passed.




Various Uses for Garrisonian Watermelon

Garrisonian watermelon features a sweet-tasting, rose-colored flesh, so you can make delicious treats with it or eat it fresh in slices or chunks. You can even grill watermelon, make watermelon gazpacho, or enjoy watermelon lemonade. In addition, watermelon is the perfect complement to fresh green salads and it can be used to garnish cocktails.




Garrisonian Watermelon Benefits

Garrisonian Watermelon has high levels of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium. Watermelons, in general, are typically comprised of 92% water, which is why they are thought to have been an important fruit for hydration for the people living in the Kalahari Desert region where it first grew wild. Watermelons also have several antioxidants, including cucurbitacin E, lycopene, and carotenoids. Plus, they can help relieve sore muscles thanks to an amino acid called citrulline.




Additional Information:

Developed by the USDA Southeastern Vegetable Lab in the 50s. Garrisonian Watermelons get very large and are long, oval shaped fruits. The flesh is sweet and a pretty, light pink color. The rind is light green with dark green striped going down the sides. Watermelons can be direct sown, but will do best when the soil is warm. So it may be better to start watermelon seeds indoors, then transplant later.




Seeds Per Package:

• 3 g - Approximately 37 Seeds
• 0.25 oz - Approximately 88 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 350 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 1,400 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 5,600 Seeds
• 5 lb - Approximately 28,000 Seeds
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