This watermelon variety originally hails from Russia, and produces dark green fruits up to 10 lbs in size, with a crunchy, extra-sweet, light orange colored flesh. This variety has a shorter time to maturity (80-85 days), making it great for quick watermelon harvests or for cooler climates with shorter growing seasons.
*picture is for reference only, Sweet Siberian is dark green all over with slightly darker, slim striping, not lighter green striping*
Fruit: Watermelon - Sweet Siberian VV
Planting: Watermelons require plenty of sunlight and warmth, and if they aren't a bush or dwarf variety, plenty of space for sprawling vines as well. Plant seedlings into a full sun location when weather is consistently warm (70 F - 90 F), they can either be planted in mounded hills 2 ft to 3 ft in diameter, spaced 4 ft to 6 ft apart, or spaced 4 ft apart in rows 6 ft apart. Soil should be rich and well-draining, and it is recommended to amend it with compost prior to planting seedlings in.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist (but not soggy) until melons are about the size of a tennis ball, then water only when the top inch of soil is dry, or the plant looks wilted (please note: wilting is normal on hot days). Stop watering 1 week before harvest, watering only if the plant looks wilted. Avoid overhead watering if possible, as this makes watermelons more susceptible to disease, using a drip system or soaker hose instead, or simply watering underneath the leaves.
Harvesting: begin checking melons for ripeness once they reach the size of a soccer ball, as this variety has a thin rind that is prone to cracking when fully ripe. To tell when they are ready to harvest, look for a dull dark green color, and for the tendril closest to the melon to dry out and turn brown. Cut melons off the vine with a sharp knife or pair of pruners, never pull fruit off the vine as this can damage the plant, and leave an inch of stem on the melon, unless you plan on eating it immediately.