Watermelon, Katanya (Organic)
Citrullus lanatus. 75 days.
Round, ice box type fruit reach 10-15 lbs, and average 10″ in diameter. Dark green, nearly black rind. Fruit have a pinkish red, sweet flesh that is quite a treat. This Russian heirloom is early and vines are quite vigorous, producing a lot of fruit until frost. Comparable to Blacktail Mountain but with larger fruit. Watermelon aficionados know that Russian watermelons are something special. We thank Terroir Seed for introducing us to this gem. Originally from a woman named Katanya who lives in northern Illinois.
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Sow indoors in 2-4” pots with good potting soil in May through mid-June. Transplant into the garden 1-2 weeks after sprouting to 2-3’ centers and 6’ wide rows. May also be direct sown when soil is warm. Young plants are sensitive, we recommend row cover to protect from insects and frost.
Seed Saving
To save seed, scoop (or spit) out seeds when you eat the fruit. Rinse off and dry. For seed purity, isolate from other Citrullus lanatus by at least ½ mile.
Question
Zach –
When can the Katanya watermelons starts be planted outdoors in the williamette valley in OR? Zone 8b
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Jo Erikson –
Since watermelons are frost sensitive we recommend waiting until after risk of frost. There a number of frost date calculator tools out there, usually based on zip code. Here’s a link to one over at Dave’s Garden.
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Margaret –
Where did you grow this variety? Washington
We had a cooler summer this year than normal and I’m eating the watermelon I just harvested. Very flavorful and sweet even close to the rind. I grew it outside on a south facing patio in a 5 gallon container, and fed Liquid bloom a couple times. It produced one 8 inch diameter watermelon even in these tough conditions. I’m excited to see how it does in the ground next year.
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