Growing Jubilee Watermelons: The Sweetest Harvest You Can Have

Watermelon is a refreshing, sweet fruit that has been enjoyed by many people around the world for centuries. Today, there are many varieties of watermelons available in the market, but one that stands out among the rest is the Jubilee watermelon. This type of watermelon is known for its large size and sweet, juicy flesh that can make your taste buds dance with delight.

What are Jubilee Watermelons?

First developed in the 1960s, Jubilee watermelons are a hybrid variety that is a cross between the Charleston Gray and Jumbo watermelon varieties. This makes them a larger variety with a sweeter taste than most other types of watermelons on the market.

The Jubilee watermelon typically grows to be about 25-30 pounds in size, making it a perfect choice for sharing with family and friends during summer gatherings. Its rind is dark green with light green stripes, while its flesh is bright red and filled with delicious juice.

How to Grow Jubilee Watermelons?

If you're interested in growing Jubilee watermelons in your own backyard, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, these watermelons prefer warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, so it's best to plant them in an area that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.

You will also need well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, such as compost or aged manure. Before planting your Jubilee watermelon seeds, prepare the soil by adding a layer of this organic matter about 2-3 inches deep and mix it into the top few inches of soil.

When planting your Jubilee watermelon seeds, make sure to space them about 6-8 feet apart to give them enough room to grow. After planting, water them thoroughly and then water them deeply once a week throughout the growing season.

As your Jubilee watermelons start to grow, make sure to provide them with support by using trellises or cages to help keep the vines off the ground. This will prevent pests and diseases from attacking them and also help to keep the fruits clean and free from soil-borne pathogens.

Harvesting Jubilee Watermelons

Jubilee watermelons take about 90-100 days to mature from seed, so be patient as they grow. You'll know when they're ready to harvest when the bottom of the watermelon turns from white to yellow, and the tendril closest to the fruit starts to dry up.

To harvest your Jubilee watermelons, use a sharp knife to cut them from the vine, leaving a few inches of stem attached to the fruit. Then, store them in a cool, dry place for a few days to allow the sugars to fully develop before cutting them open and enjoying their sweet, juicy flesh.

Benefits of Growing Jubilee Watermelons

Growing Jubilee watermelons not only provides you with a delicious and refreshing fruit to enjoy during the hot summer months, but it also has several health benefits. Eating watermelon has been associated with improving heart health, reducing inflammation, and even helping with weight loss due to its low calorie and high fiber content.

Additionally, growing your own food can help reduce your carbon footprint and promote sustainability. By growing Jubilee watermelons in your own backyard, you can reduce the amount of packaging and transportation needed to bring food to your table, and also have control over how the plants are grown and harvested.

A ripe Jubilee watermelon ready for harvest

In conclusion, growing Jubilee watermelons is a fun and rewarding experience that can provide you with a delicious and healthy fruit to enjoy all summer long. By following the tips outlined above, you can successfully grow your own Jubilee watermelons and share the sweet bounty of your harvest with family and friends. So why not give it a try and enjoy the sweetest harvest you can have?

Jubilee, watermelons, gardening, healthy living, sustainability