The first watermelon farm that I discovered – quite by accident – was in Iran. I was travelling between Qom and Kashan in mid summers when I spotted giant watermelons between in a bed of delicate green vines. The oblong light green striped melons were quite unique. I was more excited to witness their own heirloom watermelons growing in the field. I still remember those mountains at a distance, a few kids playing close by and the leaves rubbing against my hand while I reached out to stroke one of the fruits.
It is true that once you taste real heirloom watermelons you will find the store-bought ones very boring. This may be one of the reasons why some of us are just not attracted to this humble fruit. Our instincts tell us that there has to be something more to this fruit!
Orangeglo watermelon
Exploring Heirloom Watermelons
Nature is so versatile. Why would we expect it to only produce watermelons with green skins and red flesh?
Watermelons can be small – from those that weigh just a few pounds, all the way to gigantic ones weighing more than 300 pounds. However, the best tasting watermelons are usually medium-sized. Just like with their sizes, they offer diversity when it comes to appearance as well. The skin can be spotted, striped or plain with colours ranging from deep green to a light yellow. Shades of flesh also vary from shades of red to bright orange and yellow.
Here are some very special heirloom varieties that need to be appreciated and planted more often.
Nature is so versatile. Why would we expect it to only produce watermelons with green skins and red flesh?
Ali Baba
This is a wonderful variety that has been planted in Iraq since time immemorial – until that ancient country was hit by war and the local farmers lost most of their seed heritage. Luckily, this variety was cultivated by farmers outside Iraq and preserved. You can find its seeds from online heirloom seed shops.
This medium sized green watermelon has deep pink super sweet flesh that is highly appreciated for being an ancient and tasteful variety.
Moon and Stars
This yellow-fleshed watermelon has beautiful yellow spots scattered all around the green skin, which look like stars. It takes 95 days for this legendary watermelon to be ready for a harvest. This variety has a very sweet brilliant flesh that is making it popular around the world.
Watermelons stockpiled for the Night of Yalda, Iran
Orangeglo
The unique orange flesh of the Orangeglo watermelon is very sweet and tropical. This beautiful variety is not only the best tasting orange variety but also very resistant to many pests.
When, where and how to plant watermelons
This super juicy fruit originally belongs to the scorching Kalahari Desert in Africa where it is an essential source of water during long and cruel periods of drought. Watermelons are planted in early spring for a summer harvest. The tangling vines spread as temperatures begin to rise and soon tiny yellow flowers are pollinated to form fruits.
Watermelons like hot weather and lots of moisture during their life. They must be planted in full sun which means they should get a full 8 hours of sunlight. Plant seeds at 12 inches in rows that are 8 feet apart. Vines grow quickly to spread shade and discourage weeds so there is no need to mulch.
You can also grow these lovely vines in large containers.
You will know the fruit is ready when you knock on it – the sound from a ripe fruit is duller and more hollow.
Common problems that your vines may face
Vines will demonstrate stress if they do not get enough sunlight. This will encourage pest attack and diseases which will affect overall growth.
Cucumber Beetles affect this fruit too. Covering the crop helps but the covers should be removed when flowers are in bloom so that they can be pollinated.
It is wonderfully rewarding to grow watermelons in any garden. Be it children or adults, everyone equally gets inspired to give it a try if they see the juicy fruit swell up in the garden, filled with refreshing juices.
Summer seems to be the perfect time for the harvest, just when everyone needs to be hydrated. Nature never fails to amaze – we just do not appreciate it enough.
Happy Gardening!
Zahra Ali is a sustainability educator, writer and environmentalist. She blogs at cropsinpots.pk. Send in questions about gardening to Zahra@cropsinpots.pk
