Dixie Queen Watermelon – MIg

Description

Dixie Queen Watermelon is a classic heirloom variety prized for its large, round fruits, pale green skin with dark green striping, and crisp, juicy, bright red flesh. The fruits typically weigh 8–12 kg and have a sweet, refreshing flavor, making them excellent for fresh eating, juices, smoothies, and summer desserts. This vigorous, heat-loving vine produces abundant harvests and performs particularly well in the UAE’s warm growing conditions.

When to Plant in the UAE

• Outdoors: Direct sow seeds in early September and again in early March for the best results.

Planting & Care Tips

• Light & Soil: Plant in full sun in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost. Allow plenty of space for the vines to spread.
• Depth & Germination: Sow seeds 2–3 cm deep. Germination typically occurs within 5–10 days in warm soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 90–120 cm apart, with 180–240 cm between rows.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during establishment and fruit development. Reduce watering slightly as fruits approach full ripeness to help concentrate sweetness, while avoiding severe drought stress.
• Feeding: Apply compost before planting and feed with a balanced fertilizer during early growth. Once flowering begins, use a fertilizer with higher potassium and phosphorus to support flowering and fruit development.
• Harvest: Fruits are typically ready to harvest approximately 80–95 days after sowing. Look for a dried tendril near the fruit stem, a yellowing ground spot, and a duller rind.
• Harvesting Tips: Cut the watermelon from the vine with clean pruners, leaving a few centimeters of stem attached. Harvest in the morning when temperatures are cooler.