Watermelon – Picnic – Jubilee

Watermelon – ‘Picnic – Jubilee’

• Growing Temp 70°F – 95°F

• Days to Maturity 85-90 days

Ease of Cultivation and Culinary Use: The ‘Jubilee’ watermelon is renowned for its large size and sweet, juicy flesh, making it a favorite for summer picnics and gatherings. With its striking green stripes and vibrant red interior, it’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. This variety is relatively easy to grow, requiring warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight. It is perfect for eating fresh, making smoothies, or as a refreshing addition to fruit salads.

Direct Sowing: For direct sowing, plant seeds outdoors after the last frost when soil temperatures are consistently above 70°F. Sow the seeds 1 inch deep in hills spaced about 6 feet apart to accommodate the sprawling vines. Thin seedlings to the strongest plant per hill once they are a few inches tall. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and ensure the plants receive full sun exposure for optimal growth.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: To get a jump on the growing season, sow seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost. Use seedling trays or biodegradable pots and maintain a warm environment of about 75-85°F for germination. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves and the outdoor conditions are suitable, transplant them into the garden, ensuring to space them 6 feet apart. Water the transplants thoroughly and apply mulch to help retain moisture.

Harvesting: ‘Jubilee’ watermelons are ready for harvest when they reach a significant size, typically around 25-30 pounds. Check for ripeness by observing the tendril closest to the fruit; when it dries and turns brown, the watermelon is likely ready. Additionally, the skin will lose its shiny appearance and develop a dull finish. The underside of the melon will change to a creamy yellow color, indicating it’s ready to be picked. When tapped, a hollow sound signifies ripeness, and cut the melon from the vine, leaving a short stem attached.