Watermelons are a group of plants with large berries. Currently, a huge number of varieties are bred. One of them is the watermelon Chill. Description of the variety, photos are presented in this article.
General information
Variety of watermelon Kholodok bred in the Volgograd region (Russia). The breeding site is the Bykovskaya Experimental Station. This crop has a medium-late ripening period, the fruits are stored without changing quality until the New Year, which is why it is called winter. For full ripening, watermelon needs to grow for three months. This large berry has gained popularity with a very high yield - 30 tons per hectare, and with a plot area of one square meter - seven kilograms.
The watermelon variety Kholodok, the photo of which is presented for viewing, can be grown on beds in the field and in the greenhouse. However, when planting, keep in mind that watermelon needs a lot of free space. In the process of growth, the plants branch strongly, forming shoots. The longest stem is five meters in length.
Short story
Wild watermelons were first discovered by the Egyptians 40 centuries ago. Their origin leads deep into history when ancient peoples cultivated wild berries and learned how to grow them. Watermelon came to our country from India in the 8th century. At first its size was small, like that of an orange, and the taste was bitter. After the watermelon has acquired the status of a cultivated plant, its taste has become better and its size has become larger. To date, this type of plant has a wide variety and distribution. It is grown by almost all countries of the world. Breeders from Japan brought a square-shaped watermelon to facilitate transportation.
Spread
The watermelon variety Kholodok is recommended for cultivation in a warm climate, although it tolerates frosty winters well. It gives high yields, growing in the Southern Urals, in the Volga region, Volgograd and Astrakhan regions. These regions of the middle zone of our country are considered ideal for the industrial cultivation of watermelon Kholodok.
Grade description
Powerful bushes have many long side shoots that go deep into the ground. Leaves of bright green color are large. They are cut into narrow lobes. Fruits are medium in size, from 4 kg. The shape of the berry resembles an elongated ball. The peel of moderate thickness is green with a barely noticeable mesh on a smooth surface.
In a ripe watermelon, the flesh is grainy and very juicy, with a pink tint. Its taste is very sweet, and the smell is aromatic, thanks to which the sort of watermelon Kholodok is recognized in our country among medium-late cultures of this species. Seeds 15 mm long are light brown in color, their surface is speckled, rough to the touch.
Sowing seeds
They are planted, pursuing two goals: to obtain seedlings and to grow watermelons immediately in the ground. To obtain seedlings, the seeds are placed in containers with previously prepared soil. The distance between them is 70 cm, and between the rows - 150. If the seedlings are planted in the greenhouse, the seeds for sowing it are sown in April. Dates are shifted if the seedlings are planned to be planted in open ground. This must be done in May or June. Seedlings are ready for further use after three or four leaves appear on it, which in time is about a month.
Planting watermelons
In order for planted plants to quickly take root and form without problems, it is necessary to add fertilizers containing nitrogen to the ground half a month before planting. Depending on the place of growth, the planting pattern is different. If watermelons are grown in the garden under the open sky, then they are planted according to the scheme 140x110 cm, if in the greenhouse - 70x70 cm, although the sizes may be different. Planting can be done with seeds or seedlings. To do this, holes are made with a depth of 10 cm. Seedlings or seeds are placed in them. Pit the holes with soil and watered.
Growing watermelons
To get a lot of delicious fruits, it is necessary to apply comprehensive measures for caring for the crop, which are as follows:
- When the seedlings begin to grow, they should be tied. This will save space and labor costs for growing. At a level of 50 cm from the surface of the soil, plants are tied to a trellis. This procedure is necessary for watermelons growing on the beds in the garden and in the greenhouse. So each stalk, leaf and fruit will have the opportunity to receive more light, which is so necessary for plant growth and fruit formation.
- To get large fruits, you should get rid of extra lashes. Side shoots are usually removed. With the formation of new ones, pinch them. This is done with tied and creeping watermelons.
- You need to get rid of extra ovaries. For further ripening, up to three watermelons are left on the plant.
- If, to save space, the grade of watermelon Chill is tied up, then this must be done not only with the stems, but also with the fruits. In this case, they are placed in mesh bags and attached to the trellis. If this is not done, the fruit will break and break.
- Winter grade watermelon Chill prefers moderate watering. Immediately after planting, water the plants as necessary, avoiding the drying of the soil. During the procedure, a large amount of water is poured under each bush. This is due to the fact that the watermelon takes roots very deeply, and it is important that they are moistened. But when the fruits are already set, watering is reduced so that the roots do not rot and the fruits do not become watery.
- This variety has strong immunity, but the susceptibility to certain diseases is average. This is anthracnose and powdery mildew. Therefore, it is important to timely treat plants from diseases and pests, as well as feed them to enhance growth.
- If watermelons grow without garter, then planks or cardboards are placed under the fruits so that there is no contact with the ground, otherwise they will rot.