Watermelon-Art Combe’s Ancient

Minimum Seed Count: 10

Now here’s a variety I’m excited to introduce! This variety was originally found by Southwestern Plant Expert, Art Combe who found seeds to this variety in a Woven Pot in an abandoned sandstone cave in the early 1920s. Nobody knows exactly how old this variety is or where it came from, but what we do know is these seeds were taken back, grown out and selectively bred taking the best watermelons of the batch which has now given us this variety that produces MASSIVE 20-30Ib watermelon and a sugar sweet taste in every bite!

Not only this but even the seeds stay a red color when harvested which is not normal when compared to the typical black seeded varieties.

Giant size, delicious taste, and a variety that carries so much history will be available soon at beebeseeds.com!

🌱 Planting Guide:

When to Plant:

• Sow outdoors 2–3 weeks after the last frost, when soil warms to at least 70°F.

• In cooler climates, start seeds indoors in biodegradable pots 3–4 weeks before transplanting.

Location & Soil:

• Full sun is essential (8+ hours daily).

• Needs well-drained, sandy or loamy soil enriched with compost.

• Ideal pH: 6.0–7.5.

Spacing & Depth:

• Plant seeds 1 inch deep.

• Space plants 3–4 feet apart in rows or hills 6–8 feet apart.

• Provide plenty of room for sprawling vines.

Watering:

• Water deeply once or twice a week; avoid shallow, frequent watering.

• Keep soil moist during germination and fruit set.

• Reduce watering as melons near ripening to boost sweetness.

Fertilizing:

• Work compost or aged manure into the soil before planting.

• Side-dress with a balanced organic fertilizer when vines begin running, and again when flowers appear.

Companion Planting:

• Good companions: corn, sunflowers, radishes, and beans.

• Avoid planting near potatoes.

Growing Tips:

• Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Bees are essential for pollination—encourage pollinators with nearby flowers.

• Art Combe’s Ancient is known for its resilience in heat and drought, making it ideal for tough climates.

Harvesting:

• Fruits are ready when:

  • The tendril nearest the fruit dries up.

  • The underside turns from white to a creamy yellow.

  • A hollow sound is heard when thumped.

• Average size: medium to large melons with sweet, refreshing pink-red flesh.

Storage:

• Store uncut melons in a cool, dry place for 1–2 weeks.

• Once cut, refrigerate and enjoy within a few days.