Astrakhan watermelon history. Varieties of watermelons grown in the Astrakhan region. How to grow watermelon in the Moscow region

The breeder Konstantin Dyutin managed to breed a huge round fruit with a smooth surface. Astrakhan watermelons, unlike other varieties of this melon crop, are unpretentious in care, for which they are planted in farms, grown in dachas. The sweet berry not only has pleasant taste, but also eliminates thirst, supplies vitamins and microelements to the human body, cleanses it of toxins, and relieves swelling.

Now there is no need to go to Astrakhan for watermelons, whose hot and dry climate is ideal for growing melons. You can buy this amazing berry anywhere; it is cultivated in different regions Russia. Astrakhan watermelons are different:

dense and smooth crust;
oblong shape;
dark green color;
light stripes on the surface.

The pulp in the fruit pleases with a sweet taste and a subtle aroma of the fields. During prolonged drought, voids sometimes form in the berries, but Astrakhan watermelon does not lose its juiciness due to this. It ripens 75-80 days after emergence. Melon culture loves warmth, direct rays of the sun, does not like cloudy and cool weather, high humidity. Astrakhan watermelons are extremely rarely affected by:

fusarium
gray rot;
mosaic disease;
anthracnose.

The characteristics and description of the variety interested farmers, because from one hectare, under favorable conditions, it is possible to collect 120 tons of watermelons, each of which weighs more than 8 kilograms. Summer residents who plant this melon crop on their plots claim that the sweetest and juiciest fruit has a contrasting color - a very dark skin and very light stripes. When pressed, a ripe berry produces a barely audible crackling sound.

Methods for growing Astrakhan watermelon

The variety is suitable for cultivation not only in the southern regions, but also in middle lane. Where spring is delayed, seedlings are first harvested; if warmth comes in April, disinfected seeds are sown directly on the garden bed or on the tower. The first method is suitable for the Moscow region and the Black Earth Region. The second option for cultivating watermelons, in addition to the Astrakhan region, is resorted to in the Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories, in the North Caucasus.

We germinate the seeds

Both gardeners and farmers dream of sweet berries ripening faster. Some want to please their family with fruits, others want to earn income.

Germinating seeds helps speed up the harvesting process. First you need to decompose them and select larger grains. To make the sprouts hatch faster, the seed is poured hot water and leave for half an hour, after which they are soaked for a day in a solution of potassium permanganate. Experienced gardeners add aloe juice to it.

When sprouts appear, the seeds should be transferred to peat pots or plastic containers filled with humus. It is important to choose the right time for germination seed material and transplanting bushes to an area illuminated by the sun.

Astrakhan watermelons love light and loose soil. Fertilizers containing phosphorus and nitrogen must be added to the soil prepared in the fall. IN open ground The seedlings are moved at the end of May. Usually at this time there are no more frosts, and the soil warms up well. Watermelons have time to ripen before the beginning of autumn.

Planting seedlings in a greenhouse

In mid-latitudes, summer residents prefer to sow the Astrakhan variety not in open ground, but under film. They do this from the end of March to the beginning of April, many focus on moon calendar. To make the skin softer, the seeds are immersed in hot water for a quarter of an hour.

To harden, some gardeners wrap watermelon grains in wet gauze and send them to a cold place for a week or place them on ice 8 hours before planting.

After treatment with a growth stimulator, 3-4 seeds are placed in cups filled with fertilized soil, deepening them by 4 centimeters. The containers are wrapped in film and left in the greenhouse, where it should be at least 25 °. When the sprouts appear, the polyethylene is removed and the seedlings are thinned out. When four leaves are formed, and this happens after 30-35 days, Astrakhan watermelons are moved to a field or garden bed.

Seedlings in open ground

By the end of May, the earth warms up well, and frosts rarely return. When the soil temperature reaches 14 °, dig holes, put humus in each, plant several watermelon seeds, and cover with soil, the layer of which should be at least 10 centimeters. A distance of up to one and a half meters is left between the rows. The melons are insulated with agrofibre.

Cultivated Astrakhan watermelon develops well after:

beans;
corn;
nightshade crops.

The seedlings are transplanted to permanent place, protected from drafts, when during the day the temperature is not less than 18 °, every half a meter, 90 centimeters are left between the rows. Fertilizer is placed in the dug holes, which is prepared by dissolving 40 grams of superphosphate, 20 grams of potassium salt and 30 grams of ammonium sulfate in 2 liters of water. Many summer residents prefer chicken manure and mullein.

Covering the fertilizer with soil, pour in ash and pour in warm water. After cutting the glass, take out the Astrakhan watermelon seedlings and place them in the ground so that the soil reaches the leaves. Moisture will evaporate less if the bed under the melon crop is mulched with humus or sand.

We create optimal conditions for good growth and productivity

Growing and caring for Astrakhan watermelons is almost identical to the cultivation of other varieties. Plants develop quickly and produce high yields on fertile lands, especially on black soil.

Temperature and lighting

Watermelons love the sun, even if they send out shoots in the shade, the fruits will not set. When cloudy weather persists for a long time, the berry does not gain sweetness. When growing melons in a greenhouse, it is necessary to install additional lamps.

Astrakhan watermelons develop well when high temperatures, the yield increases significantly if during the growing season the temperature is from 30 to 40 ° during the day and at least 18 at night; at 15, growth stops; at lower values, the crop may die.

Watermelons set worse when the sun's rays fall on them for longer than 12 hours, but even with 8 hours of daylight, the crop does not develop.

Humidity and watering

Astrakhan watermelons have powerful roots that go to great depths and grow in width. They do not suffer during droughts and tolerate long periods of lack of rain. However, the berry will not be juicy and sweet if the crop is not watered. During development, watermelons are moistened daily with warm water. When they begin to ripen en masse, the amount of irrigation is reduced.

Soil fertilization

Melon crops are very demanding on soil fertility. It is necessary to feed Astrakhan watermelons, even if they grow on black soil, once every 14-15 days. You can use solutions from rotted manure, chicken droppings, or even better, combine organic matter with mineral fertilizers.

Diseases and pests of Astrakhan watermelon

Rains and cold weather negatively affect the condition of the melon crop. The set fruits have no taste and do not absorb juice. Although Astrakhan watermelons are resistant to fusarium and some other diseases, under unfavorable conditions they are affected by downy mildew, caused by a pathogenic fungus. To cope with it, the leaves of the crop are treated with Bordeaux mixture 3 times per season.

Prolonged cold spell high humidity contribute to the appearance of root rot, when the underground part of the plant thickens and cracks, and the leaves wither. For spraying, a solution of Fundazol is used, and ash is poured onto the soil.

The plant is covered with plaque.
Holes appear on the leaves.
The stems wither.
The fruit becomes soft.

How to determine the ripeness of a berry

There is more than one way to verify the maturity of an Astrakhan watermelon. First of all, you need to pay attention to its crust. If it is hard and cannot be pierced with a fingernail, it means that the berry is not receiving moisture from the stems. Once removed from the plant, the fruits will quickly ripen. In a ripe berry, light stripes clearly appear against the background of a dark peel.

The watermelon lies on the ground on one side, and a spot forms at the point of contact with the ground. In ripe berries, it has a yellow or orange color. The fruit can be cut off if it is clearly audible when struck by hand. ringing sound, when pressed - a crackling sound.

A ripe watermelon does not sink in water. The flesh of the Astrakhan variety of berries is bright red, the seeds are black. "Girls", who are considered tastier than "boys", Bottom part flat, not narrow, with a wide circle visible on it.

When to harvest and how to store the crop

Astrakhan watermelons begin to ripen closer to autumn. Late varieties They have a thick crust that prevents damage to the juicy pulp. You need to store fruits from your own plot a few days before they ripen.

For harvesting, you need to choose watermelons that have no cracks, dents, scratches, and the surface shines in the sun. Very large berries should not be left in the refrigerator or placed in a cellar or basement. Early ripening varieties are not suitable for storage. To ensure that Astrakhan watermelons do not spoil for a long time and do not lose their taste and juiciness, the temperature in a ventilated room should be in the range from 2 to 4 °, the humidity should not exceed 85.

Whole fruits of this variety keep well for 3 months, with room temperature– 5 weeks, cut berries are stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.

Common mistakes when growing

Novice gardeners sometimes believe that since Astrakhan watermelons come from the southern regions, where it is hot and dry, there is no need to water the plants. Other plot owners stop moistening 10 days before harvesting fruits, which leads to:

to deterioration of taste;
low sugar content;
unsatisfactory keeping quality.

A major mistake made by summer residents planting watermelons is the lack proper feeding. Melon crops need both mineral fertilizers, so is organic, but in moderation.

Some gardeners manage to save space in the greenhouse by placing tomatoes and watermelons nearby. Plants require different nutrition, some are watered every day, others once a week. Long stems of melons quickly choke out tomatoes.

Buying Astrakhan watermelon seeds on the market is not easy; not everyone knows how to tell that they are not fake. You have to rely only on the conscience of the sellers or purchase seeds not at the market, but in specialized stores.

One and a half thousand melon stalls will open on August 1 in the capital. First Deputy Head of the Department of Consumer Market and Services Valentina Varfolomeeva stated this at a press conference.

According to her, this is two times less than it was three or four years ago. “The street form of trade in melons - watermelons, melons - in Moscow began to gradually become obsolete,” she explained. “If in 2006-2007 we had more than a thousand stalls, then in 2009 there were 500 of them. The same number will open this year year".

At the same time, Varfolomeeva emphasized that Muscovites’ love for juicy and ripe striped berries has not disappeared; watermelons are still the most popular summer fruit. In second place are melons. But now city residents prefer to buy them in stores. And not just in small shops around the corner from the house, but in large supermarkets. There prices are lower and there is more confidence in quality. At the market stalls there is a risk of running into “illegal” watermelons, which contain no more taste, but nitrates.

Meanwhile, the city still does not intend to completely abandon the ruins. To date, their deployment has already been approved. Each district will have at least four retail outlets watermelons and melons. The requirements for the sale of melons and melons remain the same. Watermelons and melons will be sold from mesh stalls with floor racks. Each stall must have price tags indicating the name of the product and the price per kilogram. The seller must have a trade permit, a medical book, as well as documents confirming the quality of the products.

It is prohibited to place debris on lawns, in building arches, at bus stops, as well as in a 25-meter zone around technical structures and metro lobbies. Watermelons and melons lying on the ground will be prohibited. It will not be possible to weigh melons on steelyards, household and postal scales. Sellers should not cut watermelons and melons to confirm their ripeness. Buyers should not ask for this themselves, since cut melons can become hazardous to health. For the same reason, trade in parts of watermelons and melons is prohibited.

On the same watermelons that will go to large retail chains Moscow from the Astrakhan region, there will be an emblem indicating the manufacturer. This should serve as a kind of sign of quality. In total, this year Astrakhan residents plan to send more than 100 thousand tons of watermelons throughout the country. To Moscow - 4 thousand tons.

Meanwhile, watermelons and melons are already being sold with might and main, both in chain stores and at supermarkets in the Moscow region. But there is no point in purchasing them yet. In stores, these are imported products that are harmless, but also tasteless. In the Moscow region, melons are sold near highways. Buying it is dangerous for your health. According to sanitary doctors, the watermelon rind actively absorbs all toxic elements that quickly penetrate into the pulp. “Pure” berries appear on the shelves just in August.

Helpful advice

How to choose a watermelon?

From watermelons of the same variety and batch, choose a large one (it is riper), but not a giant one.

A ripe watermelon always has a dry tail.

The light spot on the side where the watermelon rested should be as yellow as possible, preferably orange.

A ripe watermelon is necessarily covered with a hard, shiny rind (the stripes on it should be contrasting), which is difficult to pierce with a fingernail.

A ripe watermelon always springs under impact; if you knock on it, a clear ringing sound is heard.

Rub the rind and smell: if it smells like freshly cut grass, the watermelon is unripe.

Squeeze the berry firmly with your hands - the ripe peel will bend a little.

- a variety grown throughout Russia, the main advantages of which are ease of care and high yield. You can also note long term storage of fruits and its good resistance to transportation even over long distances.

All this makes the southern delicacy one of the most beloved among the population of our country. At proper cultivation and care, Astrakhan watermelon will not only be an excellent decoration for any table, but will also quench your thirst and saturate the body with useful substances.

Most farmers and gardeners prefer to grow this variety. This is due to the fact that the Astrakhan watermelon is resistant to the development of pathologies inherent in melon crops; its fruits have excellent taste and are stored for more than 2 months, without losing their advantages.

The ripe fruit has a round or slightly oblong shape, its rind is smooth and even. The surface color is dark green with light stripes that have spiky edges. According to experts, the more obvious the difference between dark and light stripes, the more pronounced the taste of the fruit will be.

The flesh of a ripe watermelon is bright red. It is very sweet, juicy and aromatic. The seeds are usually dark brown or black in color. The main difference between the Astrakhan variety is the presence of a thick rind.

Astrakhan watermelon is considered medium-early in ripening - the time from seed germination to full maturity is about 80 days. The size of a ripe berry ranges from 8 to 10 kg. It is very thermophilic and requires a sufficient amount of sunlight. Favorable conditions during cultivation will ensure the fruits are juicy, sweet taste, pleasant color and aroma.

During a period of drought, voids may appear inside the watermelon, which do not in any way affect the quality of this melon crop. In this case, when squeezing, a slight cracking sound will be heard, indicating the ripeness of the watermelon.

Thanks to the adaptation of varieties to different climatic conditions, as well as the breeding of hybrids, it became possible to grow Astrakhan watermelon in any region of Russia.

Growing striped berries is carried out in two main ways:

seedless;
seedlings

The first planting option is typical for the southern regions, the second is practiced by farmers in the middle zone and the Moscow region.

With the seedless method, the seeds are sown in open ground, after soaking them in potassium permanganate. Dry seeds immediately begin to sow into the soil. The sprouted ones must be placed in a pocket made of fabric or gauze and filled with warm water. The water should be changed every day until small sprouts appear. Then you can start sowing.

The seedling method is pre-germination seeds To do this, you need to spread the seeds treated with potassium permanganate on a damp cloth or toilet paper and place them in a tray. In this state, the seeds are kept at a temperature of 25 to 30 °C.

After the sprouts appear, you need to take suitable containers (for example, disposable cups), cover them with humus, sand and turf or ready-made peat soil. The sowing depth should not exceed 4 cm. Then the seeds are covered with film and placed in a well-lit and warm place. After the first leaves appear, you can plant the seedlings in the ground.

The soil for planting the Astrakhan variety of watermelons should be light and loose. It must be prepared in the fall. This will require humus and other fertilizers suitable for feeding the crop (potassium-phosphorus mixtures, nitrogen, etc.).

If pumpkin, melon, cabbage or cucumbers previously grew on the site, there is a risk that the harvest will not be as rich as expected, and the fruits may change their taste. It is advisable to plant watermelons in soil in which peas, potatoes, corn and beans were grown.

The depth of the hole for planting seedlings should be no more than 6-8 cm. Watermelons are planted at a distance of 1 meter from each other. In order for the fruits to be large and fully formed, these rules must be followed.

You can buy Astrakhan watermelon seeds in any store in your city, as well as order them online. Due to the high demand for Astrakhan variety Among the residents of our country, the seeds are available to everyone who wants to plant this large, sweet berry on their plot.

You can purchase seeds in advance - in winter or early spring. Under appropriate conditions they are stored for a long time. It is important to prevent moisture from getting on the seed packets and to avoid overheating them too much.

Before planting dry seeds, they must be soaked in a manganese solution. To do this, you need to pour warm water and add potassium permanganate to it so that you get enough bright color. The seeds can be wrapped in gauze and placed in the prepared solution for 30-40 minutes. Then they are planted in the ground.

Germination of seeds does not require special effort. We place them in a cloth or gauze moistened with water and place them in a specially prepared container. We change the water once a day or as the fabric dries. At this stage, it is important to observe the thermal regime: 30 °C during the day and not lower than 20 °C at night. As soon as the first shoots appear, you can begin planting.

Today you can buy seedlings of the Astrakhan variety of watermelons on the market or in specialized stores. The main thing is to correctly calculate the timing of seed germination and the time of planting seedlings in open ground. The ideal time for planting is the end of May, when the earth has warmed up enough sun rays and there are no frosts at night. Harvesting takes place in August and September.

Watermelons from Astrakhan are a legendary product. This brand has a long history, dating back to the 7th-8th centuries. The taste of these watermelons was always so good that in 1660, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich even issued an imperial decree to deliver the striped beauties to the royal table in Moscow. However, the Astrakhan variety and watermelon grown in the Astrakhan region are not identical concepts. Even striping does not serve as its defining feature, since it is also characteristic of other varieties: the seedless “King of Hearts”, famous large size carolina cross etc.

Description of the variety

The famous Astrakhan watermelon as a separate variety was bred in 1977 through the efforts of the leading breeder of the All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Vegetable and Melon Growing K.E. Dyutin. This is a classic spherical or slightly oblong watermelon. The pulp of ripened fruits is bright red, juicy, aromatic, coarse-grained with a characteristic rather sweet taste. During dry periods, voids may appear in the fruits, which do not have any effect on taste.

The peel is smooth with a pattern of alternating dark and light green spiky stripes. A watermelon of this variety must be thick-skinned. The average fruit weight is about 8 – 10 kg. In terms of ripening period, it belongs to the mid-early variety - from the moment the seeds germinate, it ripens on 70-85 days. It is resistant to most diseases characteristic of melons and is convenient and unpretentious to grow. It is characterized by high yield, excellent transportability and shelf-stable fruits - they can be stored for up to two and a half months.

What are the harm and benefits

Ripe watermelon is a unique dietary product that has virtually no contraindications when consumed regularly. In fact, 80% of its fruits consist of water, and the rest contains plant fiber, fructose, not a large number of glucose and sucrose, as well as trace elements. Watermelon is characterized by a pronounced diuretic effect, so its pulp is very useful for those suffering from diseases of the joints, heart and blood vessels. Fructose is absorbed in the human body without the cost of insulin, which means that the sweet-tasting fruit can be consumed even by patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Striped juicy fruits are simply a storehouse of such a trace element as magnesium. With its chronic deficiency, blood pressure rises. It also promotes the binding of oxalates, which prevents the formation of kidney stones, and plays a important role in the processes of bile secretion and cholesterol deactivation. In addition, magnesium is involved in the normalization of intestinal motility, helps relieve muscle spasms and reduces nervous excitability.

In 100 grams of watermelon pulp, the content of this microelement, which is extremely important for human health, is as much as 224 milligrams. Only almonds can boast of a higher concentration. To satisfy the body's daily need for magnesium, it is enough to enjoy only 150 grams of ripe and tasty fruit.

This representative of melons and potassium is rich. True, its content is lower than in dried apricots, persimmons and bananas, beloved by adherents of many diets. Although if we also consider calorie content, then when consuming watermelon, the body will receive three times fewer calories compared to a banana.

However, it should be noted that watermelon is not good for everyone and not always. It should not be eaten by those suffering from diarrhea or intestinal upset. It is also contraindicated for those who are prone to edema. Diabetics should also be careful with this delicacy, given its high glycemic index.

In addition, harm from watermelon may be due to the use of certain chemical substances. Most often they are nitrates. Their use contributes rapid growth and large weight of fruits. But at the same time, such substances are stored in the pulp and enter the human body with it, causing either acute poisoning or chronic intoxication due to gradual accumulation.

Video “Watermelons in the middle zone”

Features of cultivation

If until recently the combination of the words “growing” and “watermelon” suggested a hot southern climate, today work on adaptation and acclimatization of its varieties and the emergence of new hybrids make it possible to grow striped fruits even in Western Siberia, although only in greenhouses.

In the southern regions of Russia, the Astrakhan variety is grown by planting seeds in open ground. But in the regions of the central zone and in the Moscow region, the seedling method is used. At the same time, 4–5 weeks before planting on the site, the seeds are kept for 24 hours in a solution of manganese and zinc to protect future shoots from diseases. Then they are wrapped in cotton cloth or thin paper and placed in water, where they are left at a temperature of about +28 ° C until the sprouts appear.

After this, they are planted in separate containers filled with peat. When the plants have 3–4 leaves, you can begin planting seedlings. At the same time, a week before planting, the frequency of watering and temperature are gradually reduced. The main requirements for growing them in the regions of the middle zone are air heated to +21 - 29 ° C, a sunny place and the absence of weeds.

It should be noted that watermelons are quite sensitive to predecessors and do not like to grow after pumpkin, melon, cucumbers or cabbage. But they treat planting after peas, potatoes, beans or corn quite well. Seedlings are planted in soil with a light mechanical composition in holes up to 8 cm deep at a distance of about a meter. As representatives of melons, watermelons do not tolerate acidic soils.

Since they require a large amount of heat, the soil between the plants should be covered with a 4-5 centimeter layer of mulch, which increases the temperature of the soil by almost 10 °C and does not allow it to dry out. Also, during the period of active growth, plants should be fed with potassium-phosphorus mixtures and nitrogen.

The technology for growing watermelons involves weeding, loosening the soil and moderate watering. Remains of vegetation after weeding are immediately removed from the site. Being drought-resistant plants, watermelons are at the same time quite responsive to irrigation. During the period of growth of the main stem and leaves, they need increased watering. After fruiting begins, it is reduced to speed up the ripening of the fruit.

The main pests that can harm watermelon plantings are spider mite, aphids and wireworms. To prevent and combat them, the most common means is spraying with infusion of garlic or ash. Such treatment should stop a month before the start of harvest. Heavily infested plants should be removed from the site and burned.

What you need to know

Astrakhan watermelon begins to ripen no earlier than August and its harvest reaches its peak closer to September. Everything that appears on the shelves before this time may be early-ripening Dutch watermelons grown in the Astrakhan region, and often with the use of chemicals. Therefore, before purchasing, the fruit should be carefully examined. If you find a small, slightly rotten area with a dot in the center, this is a sure sign that saltpeter was injected inside with a syringe to accelerate growth.

In order to distinguish a ripe good watermelon from a bad one when choosing, you should focus on a number of characteristic features. The surface of the fruit should not have a dull coating and, when sunlight is reflected, a glare should be clearly visible on it. Yellow spot on a watermelon, the so-called “patch” is the place where the fruit comes into contact with the ground during growth. If it is small, then it ripened on its own in comfortable conditions. A large patch is a sign of a lack of sunlight and heat; such a fruit will be watery and not sweet enough to taste.

The stalk or “tail” of good watermelon dried out and yellowish. If it has completely dried out, it means that the fruit has been stored unpicked for quite a long period. If the tail is completely removed, then the seller is hiding something and it is better not to take this copy. Also ripe watermelon When you tap it, it buzzes, and when you squeeze it with your hands, it crackles.

Video “Growing watermelon varieties”

There are a huge number of varieties of watermelon, and being able to properly grow a particular variety is not an easy task. This video will help you understand all the nuances.

Astrakhan watermelon- a variety grown throughout Russia, the main advantages of which are ease of care and high yield. You can also note the long shelf life of the fruit and its good resistance to transportation even over long distances.

All this makes the southern delicacy one of the most beloved among the population of our country. With proper cultivation and care, Astrakhan watermelon will not only be an excellent decoration for any table, but will also quench thirst and saturate the body with useful substances.

Most farmers and gardeners prefer to grow this variety. This is due to the fact that Astrakhan watermelon is resistant to the development of pathologies inherent in melon crops, its fruits have excellent taste and are stored for more than 2 months, without losing their advantages.

Growing Astrakhan watermelon

Thanks to the adaptation of varieties to different climatic conditions, as well as the breeding of hybrids, it has become possible to grow Astrakhan watermelon in any region of Russia.

Growing striped berries is carried out in two main ways:

seedless;
seedlings

The first planting option is typical for the southern regions, the second is practiced by farmers in the middle zone and the Moscow region.

The seedling method involves pre-germinating seeds. To do this, you need to spread the seeds treated with potassium permanganate on a damp cloth or toilet paper and place them in a tray. In this state, the seeds are kept at a temperature of 25 to 30 °C.

After the sprouts appear, you need to take suitable containers (for example, disposable cups), fill them with humus, sand and turf or ready-made peat soil. The sowing depth should not exceed 4 cm. Then the seeds are covered with film and placed in a well-lit and warm place. After the first leaves appear, you can plant the seedlings in the ground.

Astrakhan watermelon seeds

You can buy Astrakhan watermelon seeds in any store in your city, as well as order them online. Due to the great demand for the Astrakhan variety among the residents of our country, the seeds are available to everyone who wants to plant this large, sweet berry on their plot.

You can purchase seeds in advance - in winter or early spring. Under appropriate conditions they can be stored for a long time. It is important to prevent moisture from getting on the seed packets and to avoid overheating them too much.

Before planting dry seeds, they must be soaked in a manganese solution. To do this, you need to pour warm water and add potassium permanganate to it so that you get a fairly bright color. The seeds can be wrapped in gauze and placed in the prepared solution for 30-40 minutes. Then they are planted in the ground.

Germinating seeds does not require much effort. We place them in a cloth or gauze moistened with water and place them in a specially prepared container. We change the water once a day or as the fabric dries. At this stage, it is important to observe the thermal regime: 30 °C during the day and not lower than 20 °C at night. As soon as the first shoots appear, you can begin planting.

Today you can buy seedlings of the Astrakhan variety of watermelons on the market or in specialized stores. The main thing is to correctly calculate the timing of seed germination and the time of planting seedlings in open ground. The ideal time for planting is the end of May, when the earth is sufficiently warmed by the sun's rays and there are no frosts at night. Harvesting takes place in August and September.

Reviews of Astrakhan watermelon

Thanks to its resistance to the development of diseases inherent in melon crops, Astrakhan watermelon has become one of the most beloved varieties in all regions of Russia. Farmers and gardeners note its unpretentiousness in cultivation, long shelf life and good transportability. This variety does not require special care and additional funds for feeding and expensive fertilizers. Seeds are inexpensive and are sold in any city. Properly grown ripe fruits are in good demand on the market, so many summer residents plant watermelons for sale.

Reviews of Astrakhan watermelon indicate that most consumers prefer this particular variety. The main advantage is its juicy, aromatic, sweet and tender pulp. During the hot season, watermelon juice perfectly quenches thirst and is a dietary product. It is used in fresh and marinate. There are many recipes using this product.

In addition to the excellent taste, buyers also note beneficial properties for the body. In their opinion, Astrakhan watermelon helps lower blood pressure and also helps get rid of edema. Some claim that watermelon helps improve mood and improve general condition health.

Planting, care and collection are not particularly difficult. Even a novice summer resident can do this. Self-grown Astrakhan watermelon will not only be a wonderful table decoration, but also a source of vitamins and beneficial microelements. This surprisingly large striped berry will appeal to all family members.

The famous Astrakhan watermelon was bred as a separate variety in 1977. It has a classic spherical or slightly oblong shape, bright red aromatic, very juicy and sweet, coarse-grained pulp. Smooth thick striped skin. The average fruit weight is 8-10 kilograms. In the article we will tell you about the Astrakhan variety of watermelon, when it ripens, we will give reviews and recommendations for planting, care, and cultivation.

Astrakhan watermelon is one of the largest varieties of this plant, which has a special taste, color and size.

Description of watermelon variety Astrakhan

The main characteristics of the variety are presented in the table:

Options	Description
Ripening period	mid-late
Time from germination to technical maturity	70-85 days
Taste	great
Marketable condition	excellent
Disease resistance	Immunity to anthracnose, fusarium, most diseases characteristic of melons
Sowing month	May
Sowing scheme	90x50
Density	Between rows 1 m, between plants – 50 cm
Sowing depth	4 cm
Cleaning	Aug. Sept
Advantages	Excellent keeping quality, good transportability, ease of cultivation and care
Productivity	The variety is high-yielding. Total yield 120 t/ha

Features of growing watermelon variety Astrakhan

In the southern regions of Russia, this variety is grown by seeds in open ground. In the middle zone and Moscow region, the seedling method is used predominantly. 4-5 weeks before planting, the seeds are kept for 24 hours in a solution of manganese and zinc to protect future shoots from diseases. Then they need to be wrapped in thin paper or cotton cloth and placed in water. There, at a temperature of +28 degrees, they will be left until the sprouts hatch.

Then they are planted in separate containers filled with peat. When the plants have 3-4 leaves, the seedlings can be planted in open ground. At the same time, a week before planting, the temperature and frequency of watering are gradually reduced. The main requirements for growing watermelons in the Moscow region and the middle zone are air heated to +21-29 degrees, the absence of weeds and a sunny place. Read also the article: → “Features of growing watermelons in the Moscow region.”

The Astrakhan watermelon became famous precisely because of its size; unlike most varieties, its fruits are very large.

Watermelons are very sensitive to predecessors. They grow poorly in places where pumpkins, melons, cucumbers, and cabbage were previously grown. And it’s good - where potatoes, beans, peas, and corn grew. The soil for seedlings should be light in mechanical composition. Seedlings are placed in holes at a distance of a meter, to a depth of up to 8 cm. Watermelons, like all other melons, do not like acidic soils.

Since watermelons need a lot of heat, the soil between the plants is covered with a 4-5 centimeter layer of mulch - this increases the temperature of the earth by almost 10 degrees and prevents it from drying out. During active growth, plants are fed with nitrogen and potassium-phosphorus mixtures. Read also the article: → “Mineral and organic fertilizers for watermelons: fertilizing scheme."

The technology for growing the Astrakhan variety of watermelon involves weeding, loosening, and moderate watering. Plant residues after weeding must be immediately removed from the site. Watermelons are drought-resistant, but respond very well to irrigation. When the main stem and leaves grow, the plants need to be watered heavily.

Tip #1. When fruiting begins, watering is reduced - this way the fruits will ripen faster.

Based on the type of Astrakhan watermelon, breeders developed the Rapid variety, which ripens in 58-60 days, and the hybrid Photon F1, which ripens in 65 days. Both of these types of watermelons are high-yielding and very tasty. They have a shelf life of 2-3 weeks, but are well transported. Resistant to fusarium.

How to care for Astrakhan watermelon

Watermelon seedlings are planted in late May - early June. The area for watermelons should be well heated, protected from the wind, and illuminated by the sun. It is advisable to arrange beds for watermelons in the south or southeast side. Good predecessors of watermelons are alfalfa, sweet clover, sainfoin, winter wheat, onions, annual legumes. Artificial pollination is very effective. It should be done in the morning, at a temperature no higher than +18-20 degrees.

Tip #2. To speed up the growth of the lashes, they are pinched so that there are no more than 3-5 leaves above the watermelons. Deformed and weak shoots are completely removed.

There should be no more than five ovaries on one plant. The first fertilizing is applied to watering ditches located at a distance of 0.25 meters from the plants after the length of the lashes reaches 35-40 cm. During this period of plant development, liquid chicken manure diluted in a ratio of 1:20 or a solution based on mullein (1:10). The second fertilizing is applied before the active budding stage. The third - after the formation of the ovaries. Each feeding is supplemented with abundant watering. Read also the article: → “Rules for caring for watermelons in open ground and in a greenhouse.”

In the photo you can roughly imagine the size of an Astrakhan watermelon.

How to grow watermelon in the Moscow region

To extend the life of watermelons, it is better to grow them through seedlings in the Moscow region. The most top scores obtained by planting watermelon seedlings at the age of 25-30 days. If you plan to plant seedlings under temporary shelters, then this should be done in the second half of May. If you want to immediately plant the seedlings in open ground, which is very risky in the Moscow region, especially if the spring is cold, then this should be done in early June.

Watermelon seedlings hatch 5-6 days after sowing, and for a sprout to emerge from a seed it takes the same amount of time, we conclude: in order to comply optimal timing, a time run of 35 days is required. This means that seed preparation should begin in early April, if temporary shelters are provided for the seedlings. If you plan to grow the crop only in open ground, then postpone the processing and sowing of seeds until April 25. At the same time, we should not forget that the Moscow region cannot boast of a warm climate.

But the problem is not hopeless. If you follow some recommendations, you can achieve good results.

In the spring you need to warm up the garden bed. To make the snow melt faster and the ground begin to thaw, scatter ash around the area in March. And in April, water the beds with very warm water and cover with film. By May, the soil should warm up so that plants can develop normally in it.
The seedless method may even be preferable, since experienced gardeners noticed: watermelon seedlings are much more sensitive to a lack of light than to a lack of heat. At home, it quickly stretches, and the seeds sown in open ground on May 2 germinate amicably and rapidly, and the plants from them then develop better and faster than from seedlings.
Cover the bed with film. This will quickly warm the soil. Watermelon roots require a temperature of about +30 degrees. And by the time the really hot days arrive, the garden bed will be completely covered with leaves that will absorb excess solar energy, so overheating will not occur. In addition, covering the beds with film is a method of weed control. And ultimately, it will keep the soil moist.
Remove cover from bushes as soon as possible. For plants, not only warmth, nutrition, water are important, but also direct rays of the sun and air. Most likely, only in May and the first week of June will you need to cover with film. Watermelon foliage is tough and strong, so it is unlikely to be damaged by a short-term cold snap. The main thing is to keep the roots warm.

What you need to know when choosing Astrakhan watermelon

Astrakhan watermelon begins to ripen in August, and the harvest reaches its peak closer to September. Those watermelons that appear on the shelves earlier are most likely early-ripening Dutch hybrids, often grown using chemicals. When examining such watermelons, you can find a slightly rotten area with a dot - this is a symptom of the fact that saltpeter was injected inside with a syringe to accelerate growth.

There should be no matte coating on the surface of a real Astrakhan watermelon, and a glare should be visible on it when sunlight is reflected. The yellow spot on the fruit is where the watermelon comes into contact with the ground. If it is small, it means that the watermelon has ripened in good conditions on one's own. A large spot indicates a lack of sunlight and heat.

This kind of watermelon is watery and not sweet enough. The “tail” of a good watermelon is yellowish and dried out. If it has dried out completely, it means that the watermelon has been stored unpicked for a long time. If there is no “tail” at all, then it is better not to buy such a watermelon. When patted, a ripe watermelon hums and crackles when squeezed with your hands.

This is what the first ovaries of the Astrakhan watermelon look like close up.

Diseases and pests of Astrakhan watermelon

Among the diseases that affect watermelons, the most common are bacteriosis and powdery mildew. With the latter disease, the stems and leaves suffer: they turn yellow and die. If the disease progresses, the fruits suffer. With bacteriosis, brown spots appear on the leaves, which eventually spread to watermelons. In the fight against these diseases, an infusion of mullein diluted with water in a ratio of 1:3 or fungicides: Bordeaux mixture, Skor, Fundazol, Decis will help.

Mistakes when growing watermelons

Growing watermelons is a complex process. Even if all conditions are met, there is no guarantee that watermelons will grow large and tasty. It would seem that when planting watermelons, gardeners choose the most sunny areas, very diligently water them and weed them. As a result, they get small and sour fruits. Why?

Watermelons grow small if they are grown in black soil. It is rich in nitrogen, which feeds mainly the leaves. And there are no longer enough minerals for fruit growth.
Experienced gardeners recommend planting watermelons not as seeds, but as seedlings. In this case, the likelihood of obtaining larger fruits increases. Care must be taken to ensure that the watermelons are positioned freely and do not interfere with each other’s growth.
As the fruits ripen, they must be turned over. Otherwise, moisture from rain will accumulate under them and they will begin to rot. In addition, ants will eat them. Anthills that appear near watermelons must be destroyed immediately.
Make sure that the garden is well fenced - birds may appear in the area and may eat the watermelons.

Unfortunately, not every climate is ideal for growing and propagating this plant.

Answers to questions about growing watermelons

Question No. 1. Is it possible different varieties should I plant watermelons together?

Question No. 2. How to properly plant watermelon seedlings in the Moscow region?

In this region, it is better to plant seedlings in a greenhouse. Not earlier than mid-April. Care for seedlings in the same way as for cucumber or pumpkin. If your seedlings will continue to grow in the greenhouse, then it is better to tie the vines vertically. The ovaries, as they gain weight, will also need to be tied up, having first packed them in a supporting net.

Question No. 3. How to graft a watermelon onto a pumpkin?

Cucumbers and melons are usually grafted onto pumpkins. There is no point in vaccinating a watermelon that already has good disease resistance root system. However, I would like to talk about one method of vaccination - proximity. You need to cut the stem of the watermelon and pumpkin in half and tie them tightly, wrapping them in plastic. When they grow together, you should cut the stem of the watermelon from the bottom and the stem of the pumpkin from the top.

Question No. 4. Why did I only get one watermelon per bush?

In watermelons, female flowers appear en masse on the side shoots. Therefore, as soon as three to five true leaves appear, the central shoot must be pinched. In the middle zone and in the Moscow region, it is generally advisable to leave no more than three fruits on the vine so that they have time to ripen. For this purpose, after setting the fruit, it is necessary to pinch the side shoots, and cut off the rest so that food is not wasted on them. Watermelons need to be watered only before fruit sets. Then reduce watering to a minimum or eliminate it altogether if it is very hot.

Astrakhan watermelons are a legendary variety that is grown throughout Russia. It is valued for its unpretentiousness, high yield and excellent taste. In addition, the berries of the variety are very shelf-stable and can be transported over long distances, which is appreciated by many farmers.

Description of the variety

The variety of Astrakhan watermelons was bred in 1977 by K.E. Dyutin. These watermelons have a smooth spherical shape. When ripe, their flesh is bright red in color and has excellent taste. In dry years, watermelons of this variety are prone to the formation of voids, which in no way affect their taste.

The rind of the Astrakhan watermelon is smooth, with a characteristic pattern of alternating dark and light green stripes with jagged edges. Distinctive feature This variety is obligatory thick-barked.

The average weight of these berries can be about 8 kg. According to the ripening period, Astrakhan watermelon belongs to the group of medium-early ones; from the moment the sprouts appear to the onset of maturity, it takes from 70 to 85 days.

This variety also has increased resistance to most diseases characteristic of melons, and its fruits after harvest can be stored for up to 2 months without losing their quality.

Sowing technology

Until recently, it was believed that a good harvest of watermelons could only be obtained in the southern regions of our country, but this belief is fundamentally wrong. With the advent of new varieties and hybrids, the geography of watermelon cultivation has expanded significantly.

There are two main ways to grow watermelons: seedlings and non-seedlings. The first is used in the middle zone with late spring and recurrent frosts, and the second in the south.

Astrakhan watermelon: growing (video)

Seedless method

With this method, watermelon seeds are sown directly into the soil. Before sowing, they must be disinfected in a rich pink solution of potassium permanganate. They are kept in it for about half an hour and then washed.

You can sow in the ground with dry or sprouted seeds. In the first case, sowing begins immediately after seed treatment. In the second, the treated seeds are placed in a bag made of thin fabric and filled with warm water. The water must be changed daily until sprouts appear. After which you can start sowing.

Seedling method

When growing in seedlings, the seeds are also pre-etched in a solution of potassium permanganate. To improve germination, you can also add germination stimulants, for example, Epin. Next, the seeds need to be germinated. To do this, they are laid out on a tray, on the bottom of which several layers are placed toilet paper or cloth and moisten with warm water. The container with soaked seeds is placed in a place with a temperature of about 28-30°C. At the same time, you must ensure that they do not dry out.

If all conditions are met, after 5-6 days the seeds will hatch and you can start sowing. For sowing you can use any plastic cups or cassettes. They are filled with a mixture consisting of equal parts of humus, sand and turf soil, or ready-made peat soil intended for growing seedlings is used.

The seeds are planted to a depth of no more than 3-4 cm. They can be sown either one at a time in a cup or cell, or 3 at a time. Next, to maintain moisture, it is recommended to cover the crops with a film, which must be removed immediately as soon as the shoots begin to appear.

After sowing is completed, the planting containers are placed in the warmest and brightest place, where they are kept until 3-4 true leaves appear. Caring for them at this stage consists of timely watering.

The most important thing when growing watermelon seedlings is to maintain the correct temperature. This is no more than 25° during the day and no lower than 16° at night. If you do not adhere to the required temperatures, the seedlings will stretch out very quickly.

At the time of planting seedlings in the ground, they should be about a month old. Knowing this, it is not difficult to calculate the approximate sowing time; in the middle zone it will be the first half of April, since the earth will warm up sufficiently only by mid-May. Also, a week before planting, seedlings must be hardened off. To do this, they take it out onto the balcony or veranda for a day.

Landing in the ground

Light and loose soils are best suited for planting watermelons. Also, this crop does not like to grow after cucumbers or pumpkins, but it does well with peas and beans. It is advisable to prepare areas for planting watermelons in the fall. To do this, humus is introduced into the digging in the fall.

Next, holes are made in the ground at a distance of 1 meter from each other. Watermelons love space and if the planting is too dense, it will not be possible to grow large fruits. 2 or 3 plants are placed in each hole. Planting watermelon seedlings is carried out together with a lump of earth from a container, The roots of young plants are very sensitive, so you need to act very carefully. Watermelon bushes are buried in the soil to the level of the cotyledon leaves.

Rules of care

Caring for watermelons consists of: regular watering, loosening, weeding. This culture is very responsive to watering and fertilizing. But it is necessary to take into account that all fertilizing is carried out at the beginning of the growing season. The first time they are carried out after the young plants have begun to produce lashes. To do this, you can use mullein infusion and superphosphate. The second is during the formation of ovaries, and a group of potassium-phosphorus fertilizers is used.

Watering watermelons should not be frequent, but plentiful. These plants have a very long tap root, which very well obtains moisture even from great depths. When the fruits ripen, watering is stopped to speed up their filling.

Pests and diseases

Among the diseases, the watermelon crop is most often affected by powdery mildew and bacteriosis. Powdery mildew affects the leaves and stems, which first turn yellow and then die. With severe progression of the disease, even the fruits themselves suffer. To combat powdery mildew use mullein infusion, which is diluted in a ratio of 1:3 or special fungicidal preparations.

With bacteriosis, brown spots appear on the leaves of watermelons, which, with further development of the disease, spread to the fruits. To combat this disease, Bordeaux mixture or copper-based fungicidal preparations are used.

Harvesting

Peak ripening of Astrakhan watermelon occurs in August and September. They are collected as they ripen. The fruit from each bush will have to be removed over several periods. To collect, it is best to use pruning shears or a knife, which carefully cuts off the stalk of the plant. If you simply tear it off, there is a very high probability of damage to the fruit, after which they will quickly rot.

A sign of ripeness of watermelons is the dried stalk and tendrils. The rind of such berries looks smooth and shiny, and the side on which the watermelon lay on the ground takes on a yellow. It is best to collect fruits in dry and clear weather.

How to plant a watermelon (video)

Growing Astrakhan watermelons is not particularly difficult; even a novice gardener can cope with it. And these striped berries grown with your own hands will become a real treat for all family members.

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The Astrakhan watermelon was registered in 1977. The leading breeder of the All-Russian Research Institute K.E. worked on its breeding. Dutin. Often the new kind confused with watermelon grown in the Astrakhan steppes. They are really very similar in their stripes appearance and some taste qualities. Normal view watermelon was known back in the Middle Ages. It was served to the table of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich by special decree. But the Astrakhan variety surpassed its predecessor in all respects.

Watermelon Astrakhan was registered in 1977

Advantages of watermelon selection

The shape of the watermelon is spherical, but there are hybrids with an oblong configuration. The skin is very smooth, with alternating light and dark green stripes and characteristic spines. A special feature is the thick peel. The weight of one copy can reach 10 kg. The ripening period occurs in July and is 2-2.5 months. When growing, watermelon does not require careful adherence to agrotechnical rules. Has a strong immune system, which makes it resistant to various diseases. Has proven itself well during transportation and storage.

The new species is often confused with watermelon grown in the Astrakhan steppes

The berry itself has unique dietary properties. Therefore, even people suffering from diabetes can eat it. The coarse-grained, bright red pulp contains healthy fructose in fiber, which is absorbed in the body, including without the insulin necessary in this case. Watermelon is especially recommended for patients with pathologies of the kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. It flushes out toxic substances, preventing the formation of stones.

The presence of magnesium in berries helps:

bile secretion;
cholesterol breakdown;
optimization of gastrointestinal motility;
relieving muscle spasms of the intestinal tract;
reducing nervous irritability.

The magnesium concentration in 100 g of product is 224 mg, the same as in tropical almonds. Therefore, to satisfy the daily requirement for this valuable microelement for humans, it is enough to eat 200 g of pulp. Caution should be exercised in patients suffering from intestinal disorders, as well as those with a high glycemic index.

Gallery: Astrakhan watermelons (25 photos + video)

Growing technique

Berry from Astrakhan is planted in its native area from seeds. Modern hybrid varieties They have already learned to grow in the cool climate of the Moscow region, but only with the help of seedlings. Condition of receipt good harvest watermelons is to comply with the rules of crop rotation. The berry loves its predecessors on the soil to be:

melon;
pumpkin;
cucumbers;
cabbage.

Modern hybrid varieties have already learned to grow in the cool climate of the Moscow region, but only with the help of seedlings

Watermelon can also be planted after peas, potatoes, legumes or corn. Melons grow poorly in acidic soil. The depth of the holes should be no more than 8 cm, and the distance between them should be at least 1 m.

In the cool climate of the Moscow region, after planting seedlings in the ground, it is advisable to cover it with mulch, which increases the temperature of the top layer by 10 degrees. These are the most suitable conditions for successful growth of watermelon. Nitrogen and potassium-phosphorus fertilizers. Caring for melons involves timely weeding, loosening the soil and moderate moisture. At the first stage of plant development, frequent watering is allowed. During the fruiting period, it is limited to enhance the ripening process.