We searched for all three flesh color (red, orange, white) strains of Çekirdeği Oyalı watermelon for a long time, until we finalized our search in 2018. We had a very limited seed stock for the white flesh strain of this amazing Anatolian watermelon for a long time.
Mid-size to large fruits of this strain have dark green stripes on light green rind. Overall, fruit shape is round but some fruits may be longer. Flesh is crispy, white and sweet but not as sweet as you would expect from modern watermelon varieties.
Our current seed stock was grown by Tom Wahlberg of Decorah, IA. He was one of the former seed house managers of Seed Savers Exchange.
Packet has min. 20 seeds
Commercially introduced by us in 2022
Phonetically pronounced: check-ear-day-ee o-ya-luh
- Citrullus lanatus
- Full sun
- Planting depth: 1/2-1″
- Sprouts in 7-10 days
- Ideal growing temperature: 75-95F
- Plant spacing: 18-36″
- Frost hardy: No
- Growth habit: Vining
- Growing tips: Start watermelon seeds indoors in seedling trays or small seedling pots in seed starting soil that has essential nutrients in it 3-4 weeks prior to last frost. Cover the seeds with soil and keep the soil moist for quick germination. Make sure to keep the young seedlings under good light to have strong plants with sturdy, healthy stems and leaves. Transplant watermelon seedlings to garden or a pot with ample space for roots to spread after last frost in fertile soil. Feed with liquid fertilizer once every two weeks. Water regularly especially in flower stage. Reduce water when the fruits are maturing to improve flavor and sugar content. Mulch and always water at plant base to minimize disease. If the fruits are small, you can trellis watermelon plants to decrease disease pressure and improve air circulation. Watermelon thrives in hot and humid climate and does best in sandy soil with good drainage. Alternatively, to start melon seedlings, you can direct seeds in ground after last frost. Note that it is possible for seeds to rot when they are direct-seeded if the soil is cool and moist before they can sprout so make sure the soil temperature is over 70F.
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