Vegetable Fruit

• Crops in : July to September

Description

Dark green skinned fruits with rich crimson flesh. Watermelon Anguria Valentina will fruit in an open sunny position outdoors but grow under glass for a more reliable crop.

Sowing Instructions

Prepare soil by digging and incorporating liberal amounts of well-rotted compost or farmyard manure. Rake the soil level in readiness for sowing. Sow seeds 2cm deep in April under glass or on the windowsill to plant out from May after all danger of frost has passed. Alternatively sow during May in the open ground, in rows 2m apart at stations 150cm apart. Place 2 seeds at each station.

Growing Instructions

After seedlings have fully emerged, thin out weaker plant, leaving the strongest seedling.

Aftercare

Water well throughout the season. As fruits ripen, gently turn the melons to aid even ripening by exposure of all surfaces to the sun.

Nutritional Information

Melons are rich in Vitamin A and C and are high in potassium.

Kitchen Notes

Serving suggestion - Watermelon balls & shrimp salad. Add chopped spring onions, sweet peppers and parsley, sprinkle with lime juice and serve on a bed of lettuce, with tarragon dressing.