Sangria Watermelon (F1 Hybrid 87 Days)

Sangria Watermelon is thought of as the "gold standard" when it comes to watermelon. The best of those big ones that command the produce section in late summer. The elongated fruit run 20 to 25 pounds and the rind is mostly green with lighter green stripes. Flesh is a lovely red and flavor is terrific. So sweet, so juicy.  15 seeds PLANTING Citrullus lanatus Germination: 4-10 days Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-85ºF Seed Sowing Depth: 1/2" deep Sowing Indoors: 3-4 weeks before the last frost. Provide 70-85ºF soil temperature. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Sowing into individual biodegradable peat/cow pots reduces root damage when transplanting. Transplant after last frost, 36-48" apart. Sowing Outdoors: After the last frost when the soil temperature is over 70ºF.  How much does a packet plant: 18-20 foot single row, 5-6 hills Harvest: Look for the following signs as it does take some practice on telling when they are ready to harvest. The closest tendril to the stem dries, there is a crack in the stem that attaches the watermelon to the vine, where the watermelon touches the ground it should be a butter yellow color, give it a knock with your hands it should sound hollow, the skin is dull, and slipping of the stem from the melon with slight finger pressure. Tips:  Plant Sangria Watermelon in fertile soil, amended with compost or well-rotted manure and keep well watered. They benefit from growing on black plastic and by using row covers for weed, insect control, and more rapid growth.