- Charleston Gray F1 hybrid watermelon seeds are designed for open-field cultivation and are produced by Apollo Seeds USA Inc. – USA. This vigorous commercial variety is ideal for the main growing season, exhibiting strong vegetative growth and widespread, creeping vines that efficiently cover the ground. The long, oval-shaped fruits weigh between 16–18 kg and have a light green rind with dark veining, giving them a distinctive marketable appearance. The flesh is sweet and high-quality red. The variety has a relatively thick wall, which enhances the fruits' durability during transport and handling, making it a suitable choice for growers targeting wholesale and long-distance distribution markets.
Seed Features
- A vigorous hybrid with branches that can extend up to 2.5–3 meters per plant.
- Average early growth, reaching harvest within 85–95 days depending on temperatures and agricultural management.
- High productivity with clear uniformity in the shape and size of the fruits, which reduces losses during sorting.
- Large fruits, 16–18 kg, with an approximate length of 45–55 cm.
- Thick fruit wall and firm peel suitable for long-distance transport.
- High-quality, sweet-tasting red pulp suitable for fresh marketing.
- A 90% germination rate means better uniformity in the field and reduced losses during planting.
- A 99% purity level reduces the presence of impurities and unwanted seeds inside the package.
- Treat with the fungicide Fludioxonil to protect seeds from soil rots in the early germination stage.
Technical specifications
- Crop: Watermelon
- Type: Charleston Gray
- Type: Hybrid – Open Field
- Suitable for the main season crop.
- Net weight: 590g (1 LB)
- Germination rate: 90%
- Purity level: 99%
- Treatment: Fludioxonil (fungicide)
- Registration number: S000304305750003
- Date of inspection: 02/2025
- Expiry date: 02/2027
- Recommended storage temperature: 10°C
- Batch number: 250230471-153
- Country of origin: United States of America
farming method
- Planting depth: 2–3 cm.
- Distance between holes: 80–100 cm.
- Distance between lines: 2.5–3 meters.
- Number of plants per acre: approximately 1,400–1,600 plants.
- Quantity of seeds per acre: 300–500 g depending on density and thinning ratio.
- Suitable soil temperature for germination: 18–25°C.
- Germination time: 5–8 days under ideal conditions.
- After germination, it is recommended to leave one strong plant in each hole to ensure uniform growth and achieve the best distribution of fruit.
Best planting dates in Saudi Arabia
- Jazan – Mecca – Jeddah – Al-Ahsa: From January to March.
- Riyadh – Al-Qassim – Temperate regions: from February to April.
- The ideal temperature for growth: 25–35°C.
- Planting at temperatures below 15°C should be avoided to prevent poor germination and delayed growth.
Best time for harvesting
- Harvesting usually begins 85–95 days after planting.
- Signs of maturity include:
- Drying of the tendril near the fruit.
- The part that was in contact with the ground turned a creamy yellow color.
- A muffled sound is emitted when the fruit is lightly tapped.
Advice for the farmer
- Do not plant too densely because the variety is creeping and vigorously growing and needs enough space to spread.
- Regular irrigation during the flowering and fruit-setting stage is essential to achieve the highest fruit set percentage and uniform size.
- Gradually reducing irrigation 7–10 days before harvest helps improve sugar concentration and pulp quality.
- Increasing potassium intake during the fruit enlargement stage improves weight and firmness.
- Make sure to store the seeds at 10°C before planting to maintain the germination rate.