Watermelon, Chou Cheh Red (Organic)
Citrullus lanatus. 75-80 days.
Chou Cheh Red has been lauded as the “Best. Watermelon. Ever.” and “sweetest” watermelon by some of our seed growing friends, and when fellow seed folk get behind a variety we listen! In addition to its addictive sweetness, we were pleasantly surprised to discover the relatively early yields even with so much flavor, since complex flavor and extra sweetness sometimes take extra time to develop. Fruit are on the small side and average around 4-6 lbs, so they’re easy to harvest, transport, and eat in one sitting. 🙂 We plant our watermelon plants fairly close together, so they may size up bigger at a wider than 18” in-row spacing. Reported to show field resistance to Downy Mildew. Chou Cheh Red comes from Shaanxi Province, China, via the USDA seed bank (PI 435990), and was recently identified as a standout variety by Common Wealth Seed Growers.
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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.
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