Sugar Queen Watermelon

Description

The Sugar Queen watermelon variety is known for its exceptionally sweet and juicy flesh. It typically features a vibrant green rind with darker green stripes, and its interior boasts a crisp texture with a high sugar content, making it a favorite among melon enthusiasts. This variety is often praised for its refreshing taste, perfect for summertime snacking or adding a burst of sweetness to fruit salads and desserts.

To plant Sugar Queen watermelon successful y, here are the steps to follow:

1. **Selecting the planting site:** Choose a location in your garden that receives full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. Ensure the soil is well-drained and fertile.

2. **Soil preparation:** Sugar Queen watermelons prefer loamy, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of at least 12 inches and incorporating organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve fertility and drainage.

3. **Planting seeds:** Plant Sugar Queen watermelon seeds directly into the soil once all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has reached at least 70°F (21°C). Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and space them 3 to 4 feet apart in rows that are spaced 5 to 6 feet apart. Alternatively, you can plant seeds in hills with 4 to 6 seeds per hill and space the hills 4 to 6 feet apart.

4. **Watering:** Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during germination, flowering, and fruit development. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. Water deeply and infrequently, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall and soil moisture levels.

5. **Fertilizing:** Sugar Queen watermelons are heavy feeders, so fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea every few weeks throughout the growing season. Apply fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can promote foliage growth at the expense of fruit development.

6. **Support:** Provide support for the developing fruit by placing a piece of cardboard or straw
underneath each melon as it starts to grow. This helps prevent rotting and keeps the fruit clean.

7. **Pollination:** Sugar Queen watermelons rely on pollinators like bees for successful fruit set. Encourage pollination by planting flowers nearby to attract bees to your garden.

8. **Thinning:** Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them to the strongest one or two plants per hill or space them according to the recommended spacing to ensure adequate airflow and room for growth.

9. **Harvesting:** Sugar Queen watermelons are ready to harvest when the fruit’s underside turns from green to a creamy yellow color and the stem starts to dry out and turn brown. The surface of the fruit should also become slightly dull. Gently lift the watermelon from the vine, avoiding pulling or twisting, and cut the stem with sharp scissors or pruning shears, leaving a short stub attached to the fruit.

By following these planting instructions, you can grow healthy and productive Sugar Queen watermelon plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet and juicy melons.