- Charleston Gray F1 hybrid watermelon seeds for open-field cultivation, produced by Apollo Seeds USA Inc. – United States. A strong commercial variety suited to the main season, with vigorous vegetative growth and wide-spreading trailing vines that cover the ground efficiently. Fruits are long-oval, averaging 16–18 kg, with a light green rind and dark veining that gives a distinctive market appearance, and sweet, high-quality red flesh. The relatively thick rind improves fruit tolerance to transport and handling, making it a good choice for growers targeting wholesale markets and long-distance distribution.
Key Features
- Vigorous hybrid with vines that can reach 2.5–3 m per plant.
- Mid-early maturity – harvest within 85–95 days depending on temperature and crop management.
- High yield with clear uniformity in fruit shape and size, reducing grading losses.
- Large fruits of 16–18 kg, about 45–55 cm long.
- Thick fruit wall and firm rind suitable for long-distance transport.
- Sweet, high-quality red flesh for the fresh market.
- 90% germination for better field uniformity and fewer gaps.
- 99% purity – minimal impurities or off-type seeds in the pack.
- Treated with fludioxonil fungicide to protect seeds from soil-borne rots during early germination.
Specifications
- Crop: Watermelon
- Variety: Charleston Gray
- Type: Hybrid – open field
- Season: Main season crop
- Net weight: 590 g (1 LB)
- Germination: 90%
- Purity: 99%
- Seed treatment: Fludioxonil (fungicide)
- Registration no.: S000304305750003
- Test date: 02/2025
- Expiry date: 02/2027
- Recommended storage temperature: 10 °C
- Lot no.: 250230471-153
- Country of origin: United States of America
Sowing Instructions
- Sowing depth: 2–3 cm.
- Spacing between hills: 80–100 cm.
- Spacing between rows: 2.5–3 m.
- Plants per feddan: approximately 1,400–1,600.
- Seed rate per feddan: 300–500 g depending on density and thinning.
- Optimal soil temperature for germination: 18–25 °C.
- Germination time: 5–8 days under ideal conditions.
- After germination, leave one strong plant per hill for uniform growth and the best fruit distribution.
Best Sowing Dates in Saudi Arabia
- Jazan – Makkah – Jeddah – Al-Ahsa: January to March.
- Riyadh – Al-Qassim – temperate areas: February to April.
- Optimal growing temperature: 25–35 °C.
- Avoid sowing at temperatures below 15 °C to prevent poor germination and delayed growth.
Harvest Time
- Harvest usually starts 85–95 days after sowing.
- Signs of ripeness:
- The tendril nearest the fruit dries.
- The ground spot turns creamy yellow.
- A dull, hollow sound when the fruit is tapped lightly.
Orkida Tip
- Do not plant too densely – the variety is a vigorous trailing type that needs enough space to spread.
- Regular irrigation during flowering and fruit set is essential for maximum fruit set and uniform size.
- Gradually reducing irrigation 7–10 days before harvest improves sugar content and flesh quality.
- Increasing potassium during fruit enlargement improves weight and firmness.
- Store seeds at 10 °C before sowing to maintain germination.