Product Description
Moon and Stars Watermelons feature a dark green rind with spots of varying sizes, typically at least one large one (the moon) and many small ones (the stars). This heirloom watermelon can reach 25-30 pounds! The pinkish-red flesh is very sweet. These Heirloom Moon and Stars Watermelon Seeds are part of The Seeds That Built America collection by Harvesting History and are made in the USA!
Planting and Care
Plant in a location with full sun. Sow seed in late spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm. Plant 8-10 seeds at a 1-inch depth in hills that are spaced 8 feet apart. Well-rotted manure mixed into the bottom of each hill will stimulate growth and substantially increase yield.
Seeds germinate in 10-14 days, depending on soil and weather conditions. When seedlings are 2 inches high, thin to 4 strongest plants per hill. Approximately 100-110 until harvesting can begin.
Inspiration
Moon and Stars Watermelons are one of the most well-known heirloom varieties grown today. But did you know they were almost lost to history? Moon and Stars were introduced by Peter Henderson and Co. in 1926 and grew nationwide. They were thought to be lost by the 1970s, but then were found growing on Merle Van Doren's farm in Macon, Missouri, in the early 1980s after a television appeal by seed searchers.
Melons are native to Africa. Many wild forms of melons and watermelons can still be found there today. Though it is not known when melons were first cultivated, it is believed that prehistoric man may have gathered and saved the seeds of the sweetest melons, leading to cultivation.
Seeds and wall paintings found in Egyptian tombs indicate that melons and watermelons were under cultivation in Egypt at least 4000 years ago. Melons were introduced into Asia about 3000 years ago.
The melon became immensely popular in the region that includes Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, India, South and Central Russia, China, and Japan. The Greeks and Romans most likely introduced the melon into Europe. Melons were brought to the Americas on Columbus's second voyage, and by 1494, melons were under cultivation in Haiti. By the 16th century, melons and watermelons were being cultivated throughout North and South America.
Eighteenth-century Williamsburg was the home of many ardent gardeners and plant collectors who often exchanged seeds with fellow enthusiasts in Great Britain. Gardeners obtained their seeds from store merchants or from traveling seedsmen. Today, the Colonial Williamsburg seed program continues the tradition by offering many varieties grown in the 18th century.
