Jubilee Watermelon. 25 Seeds
Jubilee Watermelon seeds yield big, sweet melons that can weigh anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds and are recognized for their unique dark green stripes. They flourish in warm, sunny environments and usually take around 90 to 97 days to reach maturity.
Type Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
Days to Maturity 90-97 days
Weight 25-40 lbs (some can even hit 60 lbs)
Growing Conditions Needs full sun, well-drained soil, and nutrient-rich compost
Disease Resistance Typically resistant to common diseases
The sprawling plant is a blast for families to grow. Starting watermelons from seeds lets gardeners choose the type of fruit they prefer, since watermelons come in seedless options, various colors, and both large and small sizes. Seedless varieties are quite popular, and while the fruit isn't entirely free of seeds, the seeds are tiny, clear, and edible.
Before Planting: It's best to have light, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, along with a southern exposure. Plant seeds outdoors after the last frost and when the soil temperature is above 70°F. To grow triploid (seedless) watermelon varieties, you'll need to plant them alongside diploid (seed) varieties for proper fertilization. Sugar Baby is a great choice for a diploid fertilizer.
Planting: For direct seeding, wait 1-2 weeks after the last frost when the soil is warm (above 70°F). Plant 3 seeds every 18-36 inches, about 1 inch deep. Once the seedlings have their first true leaves, thin them down to 1 plant per spot. If you're transplanting, plant 2-3 seeds, 1 inch deep in a 2-inch peat pot 2-4 weeks before the last frost date (not earlier!). Germinate at 80°F, then lower it to a steady 75°F. Keep them well-watered until a week before you move them outside. Gradually reduce water and temperature for a week to toughen up the seedlings. Transplant them 2-3 feet apart in rows that are 6-8 feet apart. Even hardened watermelon seedlings are delicate! Be careful not to disturb the roots when transplanting, and make sure to water them thoroughly.
Watering: Young watermelon plants need a lot of water, up to 2 inches a week. If you can, avoid watering the fruits a week before harvest, as too much water can lead to bland-tasting fruit.
Fertilizer: Before planting, enrich the soil with compost and a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Once the vines start to spread, side dress the plants with a 5-10-5 fertilizer and do it again once the melons have set.
Days to Maturity: There are two reliable signs that a watermelon is ripe: 1) the tendril closest to the point on the vine where the fruit stem connects is brown or dead. 2) the area where the fruit touches the ground turns pale yellow. (Check each variety for specific days to maturity)
Harvesting: Once you pick a watermelon, it won't ripen anymore. To harvest, grab a knife and slice the watermelon off the plant, making sure to cut the stem close to the fruit. Store it at 40-50°F with 85% humidity for about 2–3 weeks. It's a good idea to chill the watermelon before serving.
Tips: You don't have to prune the plant, but doing so might help focus more energy on growing the fruits. If you decide to prune, just take off the small vines that grow sideways. To avoid rotting, gently lift the fruit as it grows and give it a turn.
