Watermelon Charlston Gray
Watermelon Charlston Gray. An old favourite and reliable variety producing very flavourful and sweet deep pink flesh watermelons. Fruits can be large up to 30 lbs, cylindrical-shaped and 24 in. Long by 10 in. across skin is light greenish grey. Resistant to fusarium wilt, anthracnose and sunburn. Ready for harvest about 85 days after seeding in warm conditions. Can be grown outside in a very warm . Sheltered and sunny location, but for the most reliable crops under glass is best.
Cultivation Advice Watermelon Charlston Gray
- Type: Annual
- Temperature Required: 20 – 25 c
- Time to Germinate: 5 -10 Days
- Days to Maturity: 60-90 Days
- Position/ Light: Full Sun and sheltered Location
- Prepare soil by digging and incorporating liberal amounts of well-rotted compost or farmyard manure over-winter.
- Watermelons thrive in a sunny, warm location
- Sow April to May 1cm (½in) deep, in 7cm (3.5in) pots of free-draining seed sowing mix.
- Place in a (propagator, airing cupboard)
- Â keep at a temperature of around 20-25C (68-77F) until after germination, usually 5-7 days.
- When first true leaves develop, transplant into 13cm (5in) pots for a few weeks.
- Plant out 24 inches apart after carefully hardening off after all risk of frost in a warm sheltered position in full sun or for a more reliable crop under glass.
- Water regularly and feed with liquid fertilizer every 14 days.
- Pinch out growing point at the 4 leaf stage and train the laterals (side-shoots) along the row.
- Hand pollinate if required.
- At harvest time, tap the watermelon with your knuckles, and if it sounds hollow, it’s ripe.
