Watermelon - Cekirdegi Oyali

LIMITED SEED COUNT! 

Minimum Seed Count: 8

This variety is quite possibly the most rare and unique seed variety we offer! Never have we seen a watermelon variety with seeds as intricate and beautiful as this one! Each seed looks hand carved with special “markings” which make the variety totally unique with fruits being your classic red color! A Turkish variety whose name literally means “hand carved”. Fruits are also uniquely ribbed more like a Squash than a watermelon! A new release for 2026 and one that won’t last long!!  

Planting Guide

🌞 Sun & Space

• Sun: Full sun (8–10+ hours daily)

• Space: Very important

  • Rows: 5–6 ft apart

  • Plants: 3–4 ft apart

  • Vines can spread 10–15 ft

🌱 When to Plant

• Plant after all danger of frost

• Soil temperature should be 70°F+

• In cooler areas, start seeds 2–4 weeks indoors and transplant carefully

🌾 Soil Requirements

• Loose, well-draining soil

• Rich in organic matter

• Ideal soil pH: 6.0–6.8

• Add compost or aged manure before planting

🌰 How to Plant

• Plant seeds ½–1 inch deep

• Sow 2–3 seeds per hill

• Thin to strongest plant

• Hills help warm soil and improve drainage

💧 Watering

• Water deeply and consistently

• About 1–2 inches per week

• Reduce watering slightly once fruit begins to ripen (improves sweetness)

• Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease

🌿 Fertilizing

• Early growth: higher nitrogen

• Once flowering starts: switch to lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus & potassium

• Avoid over-fertilizing (too much vine, less fruit)

🐝 Pollination

• Watermelons need bees

• Avoid spraying pesticides during bloom

• Poor pollination = misshapen fruit

🐛 Common Pests & Problems

• Cucumber beetles

• Squash bugs

• Aphids

• Powdery mildew

• Use row covers early, remove once flowering begins

🍉 Harvesting

• Ready in 85-95 days (variety dependent)

• Signs of ripeness:

  • Yellow spot on bottom

  • Dull (not shiny) rind

  • Tendril nearest fruit turns brown

  • Hollow sound when tapped

🌟 Pro Tips

• Mulch with straw or black plastic to keep fruit clean

• Place boards or straw under fruit to prevent rot

• Grow vertically only with strong trellis + fruit slings