Organic 'Halbert Honey' Watermelon
Organic 'Halbert Honey' watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) from the seed company Gaia, a heritage Texan variety with a sweet aroma and crisp pink flesh
The 'Halbert Honey' watermelon, developed by H.A. Halbert of Texas and introduced in 1902 by W. Atlee Burpee, was so highly regarded that even thirty years later it was described as "one of the tastiest melons on the market." Its elongated , dark green fruits have a thin, delicate rind , encasing pink flesh that is juicy, crisp, and deliciously sweet . A heritage variety prized for its remarkable sweetness, it thrives in warm climates but also performs well in sunny northern summers.
An old-fashioned, elegant and deeply flavorful melon, ideal for gardeners who love aromatic watermelons with a crisp texture.
Companion plants : Radish, Corn, Garlic, Nasturtium, Pumpkin, Squash
Enemy plants : Potato
Spread/Habit : Vigorous creeping vine
Plant height : 20 to 30 cm
Quantity per packet : 20 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Variety from 1902, elongated fruit, thin skin, sweet and crisp pink flesh, intensely aromatic
Leaf color : Medium green
Texture/flavor : Juicy, crisp, sweet and fragrant flesh
Cold tolerance : Not hardy
Farming method
To improve germination, soak the seeds for 12 hours in lukewarm water and lightly scarify them . Sow indoors two weeks before transplanting, or directly outdoors when the soil temperature exceeds 21°C (70°F) . Sow the seeds 1.25 cm (½ inch) deep. Plant in full sun (level 3) with moderate watering (level 2). Space plants 60-90 cm (24-35 inches) apart, with 150 cm (60 inches) between rows. Germination takes 3-10 days at temperatures between 21-35°C (70-95°F) (optimum 27-30°C/81-86°F).
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the tendril near the fruit is dry and brown , a classic sign of ripeness in watermelons. Store at 7°C and 85% humidity for up to 3 weeks .
Usage ideas
• In fresh slices , where its sweet crunch excels
• Diced in summer salads
• In drinks, granitas or fresh juices
• On colorful fruit platters
• In homemade ice pops
The 'Halbert Honey' watermelon is a heritage gem: sweet, juicy, and deeply flavorful, it's the heir to a century of horticultural tradition. A must for sunny gardens.
