Description and rules for growing watermelon varieties Crimson Sweet
The Crimson Sweet watermelon is one of the most common early varieties in Europe, thanks to its sugar, juicy berry. The name characterizes the taste, since the word "sweet" is translated from English as sweetness. To grow a large and high-quality fruit, you need to carefully study the recommendations for growing it in a greenhouse and outdoors, as well as tips for creating optimal conditions for good germination.
Origin and description
For the first time, the Crimson Sweet watermelon was created in France in the course of long selection work by experienced specialists. It is now actively cultivated for production purposes in many European countries. The variety is unpretentious to the soil and feels great in any region, only if the growing area is characterized by cold climatic conditions, it is worth growing the berry in a greenhouse.
Fruit weighing 5-12 kg is distinguished by an oval, rarely round shape. It has a bright, smooth skin with well-defined light stripes. The juicy pulp of a bright red hue is distinguished by the complete absence of cross-veins. The main advantages of the Crimson Sweet watermelon include:
- resistance to weather changes, growth rate even if regular watering is excluded;
- the ability to withstand long-term transportation, keeping the dense shell intact;
- high sugar content in the pulp, which favorably represents the variety on the market;
- excellent yields and impressive weight;
- resistance to typical diseases.
The disadvantages include intolerance to rainy weather and a large amount of nitrogen in the soil.
Optimal conditions for good growth and yield
Before growing Crimson Sweets watermelon, you need to study and create optimal conditions for its intensive growth. Only by diligently caring for the plant can you succeed in obtaining a crop.
Top dressing
For all the time of growth watermelon needs to be fertilized only 2 times: before planting and during the formation of the ovary. Before planting, the soil should be fertilized in advance with phosphorus-potassium minerals in the fall. Nitrogen-based chemicals can also be used for feeding, but they can adversely affect the taste of the fruit.
It is customary to spray the seedlings in the phase of two true leaves with a solution of the Atlet preparation (1 ampoule per 2 liters of water). After that, the plant will become more resistant to diseases and drying out of the root system.
Watering
The plant needs abundant watering, since the lack of the required amount of moisture can lead to a weakening of the root system and the likelihood of plant wilting. But water the watermelon not recommended after the start of fruit formation. This can negatively affect the quality of the fruit as it will lose its honey flavor and become watery.
Formation
When growing a watermelon of the Crimson Sweet variety, timely and correct removal of stepsons is of great importance. You need to start the shaping process when the fruit has already become the size of an apple. You should get rid of excess melons without berries. Make an incision on the fruiting branches, retreating 5 leaves.
Features of growing varieties of Crimson Sweet
The taste and appearance of Crimson Sweet watermelon are influenced by the climatic conditions of the place of growth, the naturalness of the fertilizers applied, proper watering and many other factors. Planting takes an important place in the cultivation of watermelon. It affects the further development of the entire plant and the formation of fruits. Therefore, in order to end up with appetizing large berries, it is necessary to pay due attention to it.
In greenhouse conditions
Before planting, it is necessary to organize the correct greenhouse, install it in the optimal zone, provide good lighting, additional heating. Growing a watermelon Crimson Sweet in greenhouse conditions involves familiarization with the sequence of actions:
- Fertilize the soil with organic and inorganic substances and loosen it qualitatively a week before planting so that it has time to soak. It is recommended to use compost and ash as fertilizer.
- Dig up beds with a distance of 1 m in length and as wide as the parameters of the greenhouse allow.
- Pour in warm, rain, water and plant 2-3 seeds in the hole at a distance of 5 cm from each other.
- Cover the marked places where the seeds were introduced with the neck of a cut plastic bottle.
After the first shoots appear, get rid of the protective bottles, and maintain normal moisture and temperature indicators.
Outdoors
It is advised to plant seeds for seedlings at the end of April according to a certain scheme:
- Fill small pots with loose, airy soil.
- Place the seed in moist soil 1 cm deep.
- Create appropriate conditions for the intensive growth of the first shoots: a temperature indicator of at least 25 degrees, constant soil moisture.
- After the sprouts appear, gradually lower the temperature to 10 degrees and expose the pots to fresh air for up to 4 hours.
- Plant in open ground one month after the first shoots appear.
It is important to pay attention to whether the soil has warmed up well. If the temperature is below 15 degrees, planting should be postponed due to the likelihood of freezing of the root system.
Nitrate sensitivity and disease and pest control
You should not resort to chemical-based mineral fertilizers. They can negatively affect both the taste and appearance of the fruit and the human body. More often, chemicals are used only for advanced disease or to get rid of pests.
Dangerous pests for this variety are melon aphids and spider mites. They feed on the sap of the leaves, which leads to complete dehydration of the plant and early wilting. For preventive purposes, use an onion or garlic solution, but after detection, carry out 3 spraying procedures with Apollo or Neoron with a break of 10 days. Do not forget about their toxicity and use a protective suit.
The main watermelon diseases Crimson Sweet is white, black or root rot, powdery mildew and anthracnose.Rot is formed in conditions of high humidity and requires immediate chemical intervention. For anthracnose, treat with Bordeaux solution and weed the soil.
Powdery mildew is the most dangerous disease, which involves the complete removal of the plant and burning. Treat the soil with Caratan.
Variety hybrids
Breeders do not sit still and have recently created many hybrids of this variety, improving it according to various criteria. Gardeners now have a wider variety of choices for their improved favorite watermelon.
Crimson Ruby
The variety, bred by the French company "Clause Tezier", is popular in all European countries, due to its ability to grow on any soil and resistance to sudden changes in temperature, but slows down growth at below 20 degrees. Grown both for production purposes and in private plots, because of its excellent taste and high commercial ratings. The sugar content index exceeds 10%, and the weight of the berries, depending on climatic conditions, can be 8-10 kg.
Crimson Wonder
Medium early hybrid with a high yield. Differs in frost resistance, resistance to many diseases and practically excludes the appearance of pests. Watermelon perfectly tolerates transportation and can be stored for a long time at home. The berry is quickly formed, actively saturated with juice and gains weight about 13 kg. It does not tolerate moisture well and requires additional protection in the form of a special coating in rainy weather.
Crimson Ruby F1
The hybrid has a high yield and excellent taste. Recently it was included in the State Register in the North Caucasus region. It is resistant to common pests and diseases. The berry is strong, oval in shape and weighs 10 kg. Indicator sugar content exceeds 6%. Pulp with pronounced brightness and incomparable aroma.
Watermelon Crimson Sweet has turned the idea of many amateur gardeners about the melon culture. The plant does not require diligent care and expensive fertilizers. Already in August, you can enjoy the excellent sweet taste of berries without the presence of harmful nitrates and fertilizers that negatively affect human health.
