Astrakhan Watermelon is intended for cultivation throughout the country. It is characterized by large fruit and juicy pulp. Undemanding to care, drought resistant. Stored for a long time and tolerates transportation well.
watermelon variety "Astrakhansky"
watermelon seeds "astrakhan"
the pulp of a ripe Astrakhansky watermelon is very sweet, juicy and fragrant
Breeding history
Astrakhan watermelon is an annual herb, belongs to the pumpkin family. In 1560, the predecessor of the Astrakhan watermelon was bred. In 1660, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich from the Romanov dynasty liked watermelons from Astrakhan. He ordered to arrange supplies to the royal court. Whole plantations began to be created, first in Astrakhan, then in the Kharkov province in Chuguev.
In 1772, Peter 1 tasted watermelon in Astrakhan and was delighted. He gave the order to grow it near Moscow. At first, the plant did not take root due to the cold climate. A century later, breeders were able to adapt the watermelon for cultivation in the northern regions.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Astrakhan watermelons were of two types: large and small. Large ones were sold for residents of other regions.
The first Astrakhan watermelon variety, entered in the register, was bred at the Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing in 1977 under the leadership of the leading breeder K.E. Dyutin. Until now, this variety has not lost its popularity. Initially, it was intended for growing on the territory of the Volga region, the Urals and the Central regions.
Features of the Astrakhan watermelon variety
The plant is grown almost everywhere in the country. Grows well in open and closed ground. A prerequisite for full development is an abundance of sun. If the climatic zone has a short solar period, it is better to plant it in a greenhouse.
The plant belongs to a mid-season variety. Ripening period 75-85 days. Ripe fruit weighs 7.5-11 kg. A feature of the variety is the presence of a thick crust up to 2.4 cm.
The root system consists of a central rod, extending to a depth of 1 m, and numerous lateral processes located at a depth of 20-30 cm.The stem spreads in the form of a liana and grows up to 4-5 m.It has branched lateral shoots, on them gray-green cut leaves. Young leaves are slightly pubescent.
Harvesting occurs in late August or early September. A large harvest of up to 120 tons is harvested from 1 hectare. The fruit is stored for a long time about 3 months, while the taste and useful properties are not lost. Watermelon tolerates long distance transportation well.
Undemanding to care. Resistant to diseases inherent in related cultures. During a drought, small cavities form in it, but the taste does not change.
Appearance and internal content
The shape of the watermelon is round, sometimes slightly elongated. Surface without tuberosity. The color is saturated green, the longitudinal lines are wide and light, spreading in the form of thorns. The brighter the contrast between them, the richer the taste of the fruit.
The pulp is juicy, the taste is sugary, the structure is fine-grained. Deep scarlet color. The seeds are black or light gray.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
This variety is grown by many gardeners. It has many benefits and requires no maintenance effort.
Pros of the variety:
- the fruit is large, juicy and sweet;
- a large amount of harvest is possible from a small area;
- the ability to grow in open areas and in a greenhouse;
- tolerates dry time well;
- resists the main ailments inherent in other varieties;
- can be stored for a long time;
- well transported;
- does not require increased attention during growth;
- pays off well: it requires little investment in the purchase of seed and further cultivation.
Minuses:
- sometimes top dressing is required;
- additional watering is required during dry periods.
The video below provides an overview of the Astrakhansky watermelon:
In addition to excellent taste, the fruits are very useful. They contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals. Watermelon is indicated for many diseases and simply quenches thirst well.
Where and how to grow Astrakhan watermelon?
It grows in soil from loam or fertile sandy loam. The acidity is neutral or slightly alkaline. The introduction of lime or dolomite flour will help to reduce the high acidity, it is better to do this in advance in the fall.
The landing site should be level and not low. It is impossible for the groundwater to lie close.
Depending on the region of planting, they are grown in two ways:
- By planting seeds directly into open ground - it is more intended for southern regions with a long summer period. Planting time is mid to late May.
- Planting seedlings - for the middle zone and the Moscow region, where the climatic conditions are difficult and the summer is short. It is carried out when the air temperature does not drop below + 22-28 degrees for 1-2 weeks.
It is not recommended to plant a watermelon in the same place twice in a row. It is better to take a break for a year and sow the soil with winter wheat, potatoes, and legumes. It is not recommended to plant cucumbers, pumpkin seeds and cabbage.
Germinating seeds
For the regions in the south of the country, preliminary preparation of seeds is not needed, they are immediately planted in the ground. But for a temperate climate, the seed is worth paying attention to. You need to start at the end of April.
Preparation stages:
- dilute a weak solution of manganese;
- place seeds in it overnight - disinfection and softening of the shell will occur, and treatment also contributes to the establishment of immunity against pests;
- remove the seeds and rinse under running water;
- spread evenly on cheesecloth and place in a warm place just above room temperature;
- moisten the material with gauze daily with warm water, keep it moist until small shoots appear.
The sprouts take time - about 4-5 days. Sprouted seeds need to be hardened: place in the refrigerator overnight, and in the daytime in a normal place. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.
Plant young seedlings in a glass. Ordinary plastic or specialized peat and coconut pots will do. The width of the container is about 10 cm.
The soil for filling the pots is peat. You can purchase it or prepare it yourself.
Take in advance in the same proportions:
- sod land;
- humus;
- river sand.
Pour the resulting mixture with a weak solution of manganese and let dry. Then it can be used.
Cup planting technology:
- make a 3-4 cm hole in the filled soil;
- place 1 or 2 seeds strictly on the barrel;
- pour water at room temperature;
- cover with a plastic bag;
- place in a warm room with a constant temperature of 23-25 degrees with access to sunlight.
Sprouts with 3-4 leaves should germinate within 5-7 days. Further, they need 3 weeks to grow.
During the growth period, you need to feed twice:
- 10 days after the first shoots appear, dilute the mullein with water in a ratio of 1 to 10;
- 12 days after the first feeding, add the second one.
Preparation of the second feeding - add 1 liter of water:
- 50 g superphosphate;
- 30 g of potassium sulfate;
- 15 g of ammonium sulfate.
Arrange the pots so that adjacent leaves do not touch each other. A month after the start of seed germination, the young sprout is ready for planting in a greenhouse or open ground.
Planting seedlings in a greenhouse
The greenhouse is a permanent place for watermelon growth and harvesting. It must meet the following requirements:
- height 1.7-2 m;
- material polycarbonate;
- there should be vents, but drafts should not be allowed;
- in cold regions, a source for heating is mandatory.
Immediately before planting, disinfect the walls of the greenhouse with Bordeaux liquid or a solution of copper sulfate. Prepare the soil in advance in the fall. Preparing the soil requires digging 1/4 m and applying fertilizer.
Fertilizer composition per 1 sq. m:
- 2 buckets of manure;
- 3 tbsp. spoons of nitrophoska;
- 1 tbsp. spoon of superphosphate.
Planting in a greenhouse:
- late May - early June;
- dig a hole, fill with compost, pour warm water;
- place an organic cup with a plant or remove an entire clod of soil with a sprout;
- the glass should rise 1-2 cm above the soil.
Requirements for the growth of seedlings in the greenhouse:
- daylight hours should not be less than 12 hours; for additional lighting, use artificial;
- humidity not more than 60%;
- temperature is not higher than +30 degrees;
- water only with warm, settled water without getting on the leaves.
Transplanting seedlings into the ground: a step-by-step scheme
Seeds or seedlings are planted in open areas. The best time is the end of May, when the temperature will be constant: + 27-29 degrees during the day and + 18-19 degrees at night. The soil must correspond to a temperature not lower than +15 degrees.
Seedlings need to be hardened in 3-4 days. To do this, take it out for several hours in a cool room with a temperature of up to +15 degrees. Water the seedlings generously before planting.
Landing is carried out in rows:
- the distance between them is 1 m;
- between seedlings 0.8 m;
- the depth of the fossa is 7-8 cm.
Disembark early in the morning.
Step-by-step landing scheme:
- Free the sprout together with a lump of earth from the pot and place in the prepared hole.
- The earth ball should rise 1 cm above the soil level.
- After planting, water the hole along with the seedling and sprinkle it with soil.
- Add sand or humus mulch.
- If necessary, cover the sprout with foil or a plastic cup with holes made in it.
Optimal conditions for good growth
Caring for a plant involves providing a favorable growth environment.
Humidity and watering
Due to the developed root system, which extends deeply and is located close to the surface, the plant has constant access to moisture. However, do not limit it to watering, especially during dry periods.
Watering regime daily or once every two days. The water should be warm and settled. You need to water at the root, do not touch the green part of the plant.
Fertilizing the soil
Depending on the place where the watermelon grows and the condition of the soil, you need to regulate the feeding:
- in the southern regions with a predominance of black soil, watermelon almost does not need additional nutrients for growth;
- for the central and eastern regions, top dressing is required.
The composition of the feeding should include:
- nitrogen for the growth of leaves and fruit set, since its lack leads to the appearance of a general pallor of the plant, thinning of the shoots and slowing down of growth;
- potassium for normal growth and increased resistance to disease.
Additional feeding is needed during flowering periods. You can buy ready-made mixtures containing:
- magnesium - its lack is manifested by the appearance of spots on the leaves, and the fruits are poorly tied;
- calcium - a small amount causes wilting of the ovary;
- potassium - the lack is reflected in the paucity of flowers.
After the fruit has set, it is also recommended to feed. If there is little boron in the soil, then the set fruits die off. You can trace the shortage by the appearance of yellow lines on them.
Fertilization is required during the ripening of the fruit. Complex preparations or ammonium nitrate are suitable. It is prepared at the rate of 2 g per 1 liter of water. Such dressings are applied 2-3 times a month. You can also use solutions from chicken manure and rotted manure.
Temperature and lighting
The plant needs lighting all day long. The site should be constantly warming up, especially in early summer. Shading should not be allowed. To do this, you need to choose the south or southeast side. In cloudy weather, plant growth slows down. Favorable temperature for growth is + 30-40 degrees. The landing site must be protected from cold winds and drafts.
How to determine the ripeness of a berry?
The ripening time for watermelon is late August and early September. To determine maturity, consider the following:
- the surface of the peel has a glossy sheen when exposed to a ray of light;
- the perianth is dry;
- the peduncle has thinned and dried up, the villi have fallen off;
- a dull sound when tapping on the fruit;
- with strong squeezing, a slight crackling is heard;
- the side of the watermelon on which it was lying is yellow and slightly depressed.
Ripe watermelon does not sink in water.
Harvesting and storage
The fruits are cut from the lash along with the stalk. Collect carefully so as not to damage the skin. If long-term storage is implied, then the collection takes place a week before the final ripening.
Store watermelons in a cool place up to +10 degrees without exposure to sunlight. The room is dry, humidity is not higher than 70-75%. There should be no other vegetables and fruits nearby.
Also, watermelons can be hung in mesh bags or placed on wooden pallets and covered with straw.
Diseases and pests
Astrakhan watermelon has good immunity to common diseases. The occurrence of the lesion is mainly due to insufficient care.
Types of diseases and methods of dealing with them:
- Anthracnose. Dark, rounded spots appear on the green part of the plant. Reason: Excessive humidity. Reduce the temperature and install ventilation in the greenhouse.
- Gray rot. A gray layer is visible on the fruit. The pulp becomes watery. Reason: due to excessive watering, the pathogen from the soil penetrates the plant. Cut off all affected parts. Spray the plant with a composition of 2 g of copper sulfate, 10 g of urea and 1 g of zinc sulfate.
- Fusarium. The fungus attacks the base and root of the seedlings. Reason: penetration from the soil. Destroy affected sprouts.
- Melon aphid. Affects the underside of leaves. Reason: a lot of moisture. Clean the leaves with a damp cloth. Treat with ash mixed with tobacco dust.
Reviews
Antonina, 56 years old, pensioner, Astrakhan. I grew up on Astrakhan watermelons. We grow them with the whole family in the country. They grow beautifully, just have time to water. And at the beginning of autumn, with our whole large family, we harvest and savor juicy fruits.
Nikolay, 64 years old, retired, Khimki. On the advice of friends from the southern regions, he began to grow Astrakhan watermelons. He began by germinating seeds, then transplanted them into pots and, later, planted them in a greenhouse in the country. Courted, tried to comply with all recommendations. As a result, he grew the first crop of large ripe watermelons. Very happy with the variety.
Andrey, 42 years old, programmer, Voronezh. I live in a house, there is a large plot. In my free time I am engaged in a vegetable garden. I decided to diversify the landing. Chose Astrakhan watermelon for its excellent taste. Grew up without a greenhouse. I advise you to take a closer look at the cultivation of this particular variety.
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Astrakhan watermelon is suitable for growing in any region. You need to choose the right planting site, and pay attention to caring for the plant at all stages of growth. In areas with cool summers, it can be grown in a greenhouse.