{"product_id":"ga-melon-d-eau-moon-stars-van-doren-bio","title":"Organic watermelon 'Moon \u0026 Stars Van Doren'","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"132\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"4\" data-end=\"132\"\u003eOrganic 'Moon \u0026amp; Stars Van Doren' watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) from the seed company Gaia, a mythical watermelon with golden constellations\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"134\" data-end=\"749\"\u003eThe 'Moon \u0026amp; Stars Van Doren' watermelon is a spectacular heirloom variety, famous for its \u003cstrong data-start=\"231\" data-end=\"278\"\u003edark green rind dotted with yellow \"stars\"—small,\u003c\/strong\u003e round spots—and a slightly larger \u003cstrong data-start=\"317\" data-end=\"340\"\u003e, golden \"moon.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e Even the foliage is \u003cstrong data-start=\"386\" data-end=\"397\"\u003especkled\u003c\/strong\u003e , creating a unique cosmic effect in the garden. The oval fruits, about \u003cstrong data-start=\"471\" data-end=\"484\"\u003e15 inches in diameter\u003c\/strong\u003e , contain \u003cstrong data-start=\"500\" data-end=\"521\"\u003esweet, juicy pink flesh\u003c\/strong\u003e studded with brown seeds. This variety became legendary in 1981 when \u003cstrong data-start=\"615\" data-end=\"634\"\u003eMerle Van Doren\u003c\/strong\u003e of Macon, Missouri, shared it with the Seed Savers Exchange, reviving its cultivation after decades of neglect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"751\" data-end=\"845\"\u003eA mythical watermelon, beautiful like the summer sky and delicious like a rediscovered ancient fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"847\" data-end=\"951\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"847\" data-end=\"868\"\u003eCompanion plants\u003c\/strong\u003e : Radish, Corn, Garlic, Nasturtium, Pumpkin, Squash\u003cbr data-start=\"917\" data-end=\"920\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"920\" data-end=\"940\"\u003eEnemy plants\u003c\/strong\u003e : Potato\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"953\" data-end=\"1284\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"953\" data-end=\"973\"\u003eSpread\/Habit\u003c\/strong\u003e : Very vigorous creeping vine\u003cbr data-start=\"1006\" data-end=\"1009\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1009\" data-end=\"1029\"\u003ePlant height\u003c\/strong\u003e : 20 to 30 cm\u003cbr data-start=\"1042\" data-end=\"1045\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1045\" data-end=\"1068\"\u003eQuantity per packet\u003c\/strong\u003e : 20 seeds\u003cbr data-start=\"1081\" data-end=\"1084\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1084\" data-end=\"1101\"\u003eCertification\u003c\/strong\u003e : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada\u003cbr data-start=\"1142\" data-end=\"1145\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1145\" data-end=\"1163\"\u003eSpecial features\u003c\/strong\u003e : Speckled skin (moon \u0026amp; stars), sweet pink flesh, brown seeds, historical variety shared in 1981 by Van Doren\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"1286\" data-end=\"1443\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1286\" data-end=\"1310\"\u003eLeaf color\u003c\/strong\u003e : Dark green speckled with yellow \u003cbr data-start=\"1340\" data-end=\"1343\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1343\" data-end=\"1363\"\u003eTexture\/flavor\u003c\/strong\u003e : Sweet, juicy, fresh pink flesh\u003cbr data-start=\"1401\" data-end=\"1404\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1404\" data-end=\"1426\"\u003eCold tolerance\u003c\/strong\u003e : Not hardy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"1445\" data-end=\"1448\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1450\" data-end=\"1468\"\u003e Farming method\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"1470\" data-end=\"1986\"\u003eFor optimal germination, \u003cstrong data-start=\"1508\" data-end=\"1536\"\u003esoak the seeds for 12 hours\u003c\/strong\u003e in lukewarm water and \u003cstrong data-start=\"1560\" data-end=\"1584\"\u003elightly scarify\u003c\/strong\u003e the shell. Sow indoors \u003cstrong data-start=\"1615\" data-end=\"1629\"\u003e2 weeks\u003c\/strong\u003e before transplanting, or directly outdoors when the soil temperature exceeds \u003cstrong data-start=\"1704\" data-end=\"1713\"\u003e21°C (70°F)\u003c\/strong\u003e . Sow the seeds \u003cstrong data-start=\"1740\" data-end=\"1751\"\u003e1.25 cm (½ inch)\u003c\/strong\u003e deep. Place in \u003cstrong data-start=\"1780\" data-end=\"1796\"\u003efull sun\u003c\/strong\u003e (level 3) and water moderately (level 2). Space plants \u003cstrong data-start=\"1864\" data-end=\"1878\"\u003e60-90 cm (24-35 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e apart, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1885\" data-end=\"1895\"\u003e150 cm (60 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e between rows. Germination takes \u003cstrong data-start=\"1928\" data-end=\"1944\"\u003e3-10 days\u003c\/strong\u003e at temperatures between \u003cstrong data-start=\"1951\" data-end=\"1966\"\u003e21-35°C\u003c\/strong\u003e (70-95°F) (optimum 27-30°C\/81-86°F).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"1988\" data-end=\"1991\"\u003e\n\n \u003ch2 data-start=\"1993\" data-end=\"2019\"\u003eHarvesting and preservation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"2021\" data-end=\"2200\"\u003e Harvest when the \u003cstrong data-start=\"2041\" data-end=\"2091\"\u003etendril near the fruit is dry and brown\u003c\/strong\u003e , a classic sign of ripeness. Store the fruit at \u003cstrong data-start=\"2145\" data-end=\"2153\"\u003e7°C\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"2157\" data-end=\"2176\"\u003e85% humidity\u003c\/strong\u003e for up to \u003cstrong data-start=\"2185\" data-end=\"2199\"\u003e3 weeks\u003c\/strong\u003e .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"2202\" data-end=\"2205\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2207\" data-end=\"2229\"\u003e Usage ideas\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"2231\" data-end=\"2488\"\u003e • In \u003cstrong data-start=\"2236\" data-end=\"2257\"\u003efestive slices\u003c\/strong\u003e , highlighting its vibrant colors\u003cbr data-start=\"2295\" data-end=\"2298\"\u003e • In fruit salads or summer granitas\u003cbr data-start=\"2338\" data-end=\"2341\"\u003e • In smoothies and cold drinks\u003cbr data-start=\"2376\" data-end=\"2379\"\u003e • As a decorative piece on a fruit platter\u003cbr data-start=\"2428\" data-end=\"2431\"\u003e • Perfect for sharing at picnics — guaranteed to wow\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"2490\" data-end=\"2493\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"2495\" data-end=\"2714\"\u003e The \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Moon \u0026amp; Stars Van Doren'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e watermelon is a horticultural marvel, both artistic and delicious. A must-have heirloom variety for gardeners who love growing fruit that is as beautiful as it is tasty.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gaia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53075556040864,"sku":"GAI-SEMENCES","price":4.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0655\/3878\/5440\/files\/Melond_eau_Moon_StarsVanDoren_bioGaia.jpg?v=1765466517","url":"https:\/\/www.pepiniere.ca\/en\/products\/ga-melon-d-eau-moon-stars-van-doren-bio","provider":"Pépinière.ca","version":"1.0","type":"link"}