Chelsea Watermelon, 1900 Heirloom, Organic

Not available for the 2024 Season

The Seed Savers Exchange - In the early 1900s Chelsea, Iowa was famous for melons grown on the sandy hills north of town. Farmers would fill their horse-drawn “triple box” wagons in the field, haul them to town, and sell the melons right from the wagons. Today SSE member Marvin Kucera is the only person growing this watermelon in Chelsea. Sweet, pink-fleshed, 15-20 pound fruits with white seeds will keep for several weeks once picked. 80-90 days. 

Characteristics: 

• Organic
• Round fruits grow to 15-20 pounds
• Pink flesh with white seeds
• Sweet and keeps well once picked
• 25 seeds

This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States.

Instructions -

Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Space hills 8' apart in all directions. Seeds will germinate in 4-10 days. Can also be started indoors 4 weeks before transplanting out. Watermelons love heat and prefer sandy or light-textured soils. 

Plant 1/2" deep

Hill 6-8 seeds together

Thin to 3-4 plants

Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability