Grafted Watermelon Ingrid F1 Plants - Citrullus lanatus

The 'Ingrid' F1 watermelon is a particularly early compact hybrid variety, which bears fruit approximately 70 days after transplanting. It produces perfectly round, small-sized fruits that are smooth, marbled green with dark green, weighing 2 to 2.5 kg each, and reaching ripeness even in the north. The flesh is intensely red, juicy, crunchy, and sweet. The plant is productive, shows good resistance to diseases, and its moderate growth is suitable for family gardens. Watermelons require a sunny, warm location and regular watering to yield their best fruits. Young grafted plants are planted from April to June, after all risk of frost, for a harvest from July to September.

The grafting technique consists of giving a desired variety (here 'Ingrid') the root system of another specially selected variety, called the rootstock. This rootstock has excellent resistance to soil parasites and diseases, providing the plant with additional vigour: it becomes more resistant to challenging external conditions (such as cold climates) and will yield significantly higher than a non-grafted plant. Fruit production begins earlier and lower on the main stem of grafted plants.

Watermelon is an annual vegetable plant with creeping stems belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is cultivated for its more or less spherical fruits, with sweet and melting flesh that is consumed raw, similar to other melons. It is a very refreshing fruit, particularly appreciated in hot regions. It is also used to make very good jams and sorbets. Watermelon has anti-scorbutic, purifying, and refreshing properties, and contains vitamins (A, B, C) and minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron).

Watermelons require well-fertilised soil, a warm and sunny exposure, and regular watering.

Harvest: watermelons are harvested when fully ripe: The fruit loses its shiny color and sounds hollow when tapped.

Storage: once opened, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Gardener's tip: Perform regular hoeing and weeding, and mulching is recommended to maintain soil moisture.

Attention: When transplanting grafted plants, do not bury the graft point!