Blacktail Mountain Watermelon
Description
Blacktail Mountain watermelons are a unique variety known for their compact size, early maturity,
and sweet flavor. Here’s a description:
1. **Size and Shape:** Blacktail Mountain watermelons are small to medium-sized fruits, typically
weighing between 6 to 12 pounds. They have a round or slightly oval shape, making them easy to handle and store.
2. **Color:** The rind of Blacktail Mountain watermelons is dark green with thin, dark stripes or mottling. The underside of the fruit, known as the “blacktail,” has a distinctively dark green or almost black coloration, giving the variety its name.
3. **Texture:** The flesh of Blacktail Mountain watermelons is crisp, juicy, and succulent, with a high water content that makes it refreshing to eat. It has a tender texture that melts in your mouth with each bite.
4. **Flavor:** Blacktail Mountain watermelons are prized for their sweet, refreshing flavor, with a
perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The flesh is often described as being tender and juicy, with a satisfying crunch that makes it enjoyable to eat raw or in salads.
5. **Seed Type:** Blacktail Mountain watermelons are typically seeded, meaning they contain seeds that are dispersed throughout the flesh. However, some hybrid varieties may produce fewer seeds or be seedless.
6. **Growing Habit:** Blacktail Mountain watermelons are compact, bush-type plants that are well-suited for small gardens or containers. They require less space than traditional vining watermelons and can be grown in raised beds or large pots with trellises for support.
7. **Maturity:** One of the distinguishing features of Blacktail Mountain watermelons is their early maturity. They often mature in around 70 to 80 days after planting, making them a popular choice for gardeners in cooler climates or short growing seasons.
8. **Harvesting:** Blacktail Mountain watermelons are ready to harvest when the tendril closest to the fruit turns brown and dries out, and the spot where the watermelon rests on the ground turns yellow. Additionally, the skin should become dull and hard, and the fruit should produce a hollow sound when thumped. Harvest carefully by cutting the stem with a sharp knife or shears, leaving a few inches of stem attached to the fruit.
Overall, Blacktail Mountain watermelons are prized for their compact size, early maturity, and sweet flavor, making them a favorite among gardeners and watermelon enthusiasts alike.
Planting instructions;
To plant Blacktail Mountain watermelons, follow these planting instructions:
1. **Timing:** Plant Blacktail Mountain watermelons outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C). These watermelons have an early maturity, so they can be planted a bit earlier in the season compared to other varieties.
2. **Location:** Select a planting site in your garden that receives full sunlight for at least 6-8hours per day. Blacktail Mountain watermelons thrive in warm, sunny conditions and require ample space to spread out and grow.
3. **Soil Preparation:** Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of at least 8-12 inches and removing any rocks, debris, or weeds. Blacktail Mountain watermelons prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and structure.
4. **Planting Depth and Spacing:** Plant Blacktail Mountain watermelon seeds or seedlings directly into the prepared soil at a depth of 1 inch. Space the seeds or seedlings 3-4 feet apart in rows spaced 5-6 feet apart. If planting multiple rows, allow at least 6 feet between rows to provide ample room for the vines to spread out.
5. **Watering:** Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season, especially during hot, dry weather. Watermelons require regular watering to support their
vigorous growth and fruit development. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to water deeply and evenly, avoiding overhead watering which can lead to fungal diseases.
6. **Fertilization:** Blacktail Mountain watermelons benefit from regular fertilization to support their growth and fruit production. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or similar formulation, according to the instructions on the label. Side-dress the plants with additional fertilizer once or twice during the growing season to provide supplemental nutrients.
7. **Mulching:** Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the watermelon plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulching also helps prevent soil-borne diseases and keeps the fruit clean and free from contact with the soil.
8. **Support:** While Blacktail Mountain watermelons are bush-type plants and do not require support like traditional vining watermelons, providing a trellis or support structure can help keep the fruit off the ground and reduce the risk of rotting.
9. **Pest and Disease Management:** Monitor the plants regularly for signs of pests such as aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs, as well as diseases such as powdery mildew and fusarium wilt. Take appropriate measures to control pests and diseases, such as hand-picking insects, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, and practicing crop rotation.
10. **Harvesting:** Blacktail Mountain watermelons are ready to harvest when the fruit reaches full size and the underside turns from white or pale green to a creamy yellow color. The skin should also become dull and hard, and the fruit should produce a hollow sound when thumped. Harvest carefully by cutting the stem with a sharp knife or shears, leaving a few inches attached to the fruit.
By following these planting instructions, you can successfully grow Blacktail Mountain watermelons and enjoy their compact size, early maturity, and sweet flavor all summer long.
