The CAL Sweet Supreme Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a premium watermelon variety known for its impressive size, vibrant red flesh, and sweet, refreshing flavor. With fruits weighing around 30 lbs, this variety produces large, heavy melons perfect for sharing at family gatherings, picnics, or barbecues. The CAL Sweet Supreme Watermelon is renowned for its crisp texture and its ability to produce melons that are consistently sweet, juicy, and less prone to bitterness. This pack includes 20 seeds, allowing you to grow your own delicious, high-quality watermelons right in your garden.
Key Features:
- Large Fruits: The CAL Sweet Supreme Watermelon produces melons that can reach up to 30 lbs, making it ideal for those looking to harvest larger watermelons.
- Sweet and Juicy Flesh: Known for its deliciously sweet, red flesh, this watermelon variety offers a refreshing and satisfying experience with every bite.
- Crisp Texture: The flesh of the CAL Sweet Supreme Watermelon is firm and crisp, giving it a satisfying texture that’s perfect for slicing and enjoying fresh.
- High Yield: These watermelon plants produce an abundant number of melons, ensuring a plentiful harvest throughout the growing season.
- Heat-Tolerant: Watermelon plants thrive in warm climates, and the CAL Sweet Supreme variety is especially suited to hot summers, providing optimal fruit production under ideal conditions.
Growing Information:
Light:
Watermelons require full sun to grow successfully. They need at least 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce sweet, juicy melons. Ensure the planting area is sunny for optimal growth.
Soil:
Watermelons prefer well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. The ideal pH for growing watermelons is between 6.0 and 6.8. Adding compost to the soil helps improve fertility and drainage, promoting strong plant growth and high-quality fruit.
Planting Tips:
Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date in cooler climates, or sow them directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm (70°F or 21°C). Plant seeds 1 inch deep in well-moistened soil, and space them 36-42 inches apart to allow plenty of room for the vines to spread. If planting outdoors, make sure the soil is warmed up to at least 70°F (21°C) to encourage strong germination and growth.
Watering:
Watermelons need consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, as overly wet conditions can lead to root rot. Use a drip irrigation system or soaker hose to water the plants at the base to prevent wetting the leaves, which can cause fungal diseases. Reduce watering once the melons are nearing maturity to help concentrate their sweetness.
Temperature:
Watermelons thrive in warm temperatures and are frost-sensitive. Ideal temperatures for growth are between 70°F and 90°F (21°C to 32°C). Ensure that the growing season is long enough to allow melons to mature fully before the first frost.
Vining Growth:
Watermelon vines can grow quite large, so be sure to space them appropriately or grow them vertically on a trellis if you're limited on space. Support the melons with slings if growing them vertically to avoid damage as they mature.
Benefits:
- Delicious Sweet Flavor: The CAL Sweet Supreme Watermelon is known for its exceptionally sweet, juicy flesh, making it perfect for enjoying fresh, adding to fruit salads, or even juicing.
- Large, Heirloom-Quality Melons: With the potential to grow 30 lb melons, this variety is ideal for gardeners who want to produce large, show-stopping watermelons for personal consumption or entertaining.
- High-Yielding: Watermelon plants produce abundant fruit, making this variety a great choice for those looking to grow plenty of melons to enjoy or share.
- Heat-Tolerant: This watermelon variety thrives in hot conditions, making it ideal for warmer climates or those with long summers.
- Health Benefits: Watermelons are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants like lycopene, and have a high water content, making them hydrating and beneficial for overall health.
Growing Zones:
The CAL Sweet Supreme Watermelon thrives in USDA Zones 4-11. It requires a long, warm growing season to reach its full potential, so it is best suited for regions with hot summers or warm climates where frost is not a concern.
How to Use in the Garden:
- Traditional Garden Beds: Plant your CAL Sweet Supreme Watermelons in well-spaced garden beds, allowing enough room for the vines to spread out. This will ensure healthy growth and optimal fruit production.
- Raised Beds or Containers: Watermelons can be grown in raised beds or large containers if space is limited. Just ensure the container is large enough to support the vines and that the plants receive enough sunlight and water.
- Trellis System: For smaller gardens, try growing the watermelons vertically on a sturdy trellis to save space. Support the melons with slings to prevent them from falling and breaking.
- Companion Planting: Watermelons grow well alongside beans, corn, and peas, as these plants can help with pest control and provide shade to the watermelon vines during hot weather.
Conclusion:
The CAL Sweet Supreme Watermelon is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to grow large, sweet, and juicy melons. With its high yield and exceptional flavor, this variety is perfect for enjoying fresh or sharing with friends and family during the summer. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, the CAL Sweet Supreme Watermelon is easy to grow and highly productive, making it a must-have in your garden for a summer full of refreshing melons.