Watermelon - Tendersweet Orange - Picnic

The Tendersweet Orange Watermelon features vibrant orange flesh with a sweet, crisp flavor, making it an excellent choice for picnics or summer gatherings. This heirloom variety matures in 90-95 days and thrives in full sun with proper spacing and care. Seed Count: 30 Full Sun For direct seeding, sow 1–2 weeks after last frost when soil is warm 3 seeds every 18–36″, 1″ deep. Thin to 1 plant per location when seedlings have first true leaves. If transplanting, sow 2-3 seeds, 1″ deep in a 2″ peat pot 2-4 weeks before last frost date (Don't do any sooner!). Keep well watered until 1 week before placing outdoors. Reduce water and temperature for a week to harden seedlings. Transplant 2–3′ apart in rows 6–8′ apart. Roots will still be tender, even though plant has been hardened. Be careful not to disturb roots when transplanting, and water thoroughly. The Tendersweet watermelon has a traditional striped green rind, similar to the Allsweet type, with dark green stripes on a lighter green background. It's a large, oblong melon, typically weighing between 15-35 lbs at maturity. Flesh: The most striking feature is its vibrant orange flesh, which is said to be both crisp and juicy with a high sugar content, providing a wonderfully sweet flavor that some describe as having a hint of citrus. Seeds: It's a seeded watermelon, but it has a minimal amount of seeds compared to other varieties, making it easier to enjoy. Growing Habits: The Tendersweet Orange watermelon is a warm-season crop that thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy loam soils. It typically takes around 90 days to mature after planting. It has a vigorous, sprawling vine growth habit and requires ample space in the garden. Tendersweet Watermelon have a tough rind, making it great for markets.