Citrullus lanatus ‘Blacktail Mountain’ — Blacktail Mountain Watermelon. The watermelon Blacktail Mountain offers round fruits with dark green skin and red flesh. This watermelon is distinguished by its early maturity, interesting when summer is relatively short. Install its vines in the warmest part of the vegetable garden and let the fruit finish maturing on the plant. These organic watermelon seeds from Jardins de l’Écoumène let you start your own plants and follow their development from sowing onward. Reserve a sunny area of the vegetable garden for this melon so its stems can spread without crowding the neighbouring rows.
Recommended planting period: May to June. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1.5 to 2.5 cm (0.6 to 1 in.). Germination usually takes 5 to 10 days. For germination, keep the soil at 24 to 30 °C (75 to 86 °F). Melons need a warm growing season and transplanting that avoids stress to their roots. If you start the plants indoors, use individual containers and transplant before the roots become pot-bound. Keep the root ball whole and acclimatize the foliage to the sun. Plant outdoors once the soil has warmed.
With its dark green and red-bellied fruits, the melon d ́eau Blacktail Mountain brings a summer harvest distinct from that of the orange-bellied melons. Identify its vines to follow separately the maturation of each fruit. Reserve a sunny area of the vegetable garden for this melon so its stems can spread without crowding the neighbouring rows. A path alongside the planting makes it easier to inspect the fruits and water the plants. Place the fruit on a clean surface if the soil remains moist, maintaining its natural position. For vertical growing suited to the type of melon, also support the fruit with a device that distributes their weight.
Light and life cycle
In the garden
Exposure
Full sun
Life cycle
Annual
Sowing and germination
Sowing guide
Sowing & germination
Sowing depth
1.5 to 2.5 cm (0.6 to 1 in.)
Germination temperature
24 to 30 °C (75 to 86 °F)
Germination time
5 to 10 days
Sowing period
May to June
Propagation
Sowing
Growing method
Recommended planting period: May to June. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1.5 to 2.5 cm (0.6 to 1 in.). Germination usually takes 5 to 10 days. For germination, keep the soil at 24 to 30 °C (75 to 86 °F). Melons need a warm growing season and transplanting that avoids stress to their roots. If you start the plants indoors, use individual containers and transplant before the roots become pot-bound. Keep the root ball whole and acclimatize the foliage to the sun. Plant outdoors once the soil has warmed. A young plant exposed too early to cold loses growing time that the next heat does not always catch up. While the melons grow, keep a steady humidity on the foot and let the leaves catch the light. Avoid often moving the vines or twisting the peduncles. The stage of maturity is determined by the type of melon: observe the changes in colour, the appearance of the peduncle and the specific markers of the variety. Harvest carefully so as not to bruise an already ripe flesh. Choose a harvesting method that suits the particular leafy vegetable being grown, since the way leaves are picked depends on the plant and the intended harvest.
Soil and care
Soil and care
Soil & care
Moisture
Keep the potting mix moist during emergence, without standing water; then adjust watering to suit the crop
Watering
Water Melon ‘Blacktail Mountain: Maintain regular moisture around the roots during the recovery, growth of the vines and fruit development. Water at the base of the plant, avoiding soaking the crown and unnecessary wetting of the foliage. Check the soil before each input, especially after the rains. A mulch limits evaporation, but does not exempt moisture control under leaves. When growing in containers, make sure that the excess water flows freely.
Soil type
Prepare a rich, warm and well-drained soil. Melons need a warm growing season and transplanting that avoids stress to their roots. If you start the plants indoors, use individual containers and transplant before the roots become pot-bound. Keep the root ball whole and acclimatize the foliage to the sun. Plant outdoors once the soil has warmed. A young plant exposed too early to cold loses growing time that the next heat does not always catch up.
Fertilization
Fertilization supports growth and should take into account the nutrients already present in the soil or potting mix. Use mature compost or a fertilizer suitable for the crop, following the recommended application rate. Avoid combining too many products, especially in a container where the roots have a limited volume of growing medium. Water as needed after applying nutrients, and observe foliage growth before deciding whether another fertilizer application is necessary.
Seasonal care
With its dark green and red-bellied fruits, the melon d ́eau Blacktail Mountain brings a summer harvest distinct from that of the orange-bellied melons. Identify its vines to follow separately the maturation of each fruit. Melons need a warm growing season and transplanting that avoids stress to their roots. If you start the plants indoors, use individual containers and transplant before the roots become pot-bound. Keep the root ball whole and acclimatize the foliage to the sun. Plant outdoors once the soil has warmed. A young plant exposed too early to cold loses growing time that the next heat does not always catch up. While the melons grow, keep a steady humidity on the foot and let the leaves catch the light. Avoid often moving the vines or twisting the peduncles. The stage of maturity is determined by the type of melon: observe the changes in colour, the appearance of the peduncle and the specific markers of the variety. Harvest carefully so as not to bruise an already ripe flesh. Harvest leafy vegetables using the method appropriate to the type of plant. Picking the outer leaves preserves the centre of the plant when you want harvesting to continue. Very old leaves do not give the same tenderness as young shoots. Rinse the harvest just before use or dry it thoroughly before a short stay in the refrigerator. The watermelon Blacktail Mountain offers round fruits with dark green skin and red flesh.
Growing in containers
Container growing
Container growing
Suitable for containers
Yes
Recommended pot size
A stable container with drainage holes, enough width for the plant’s spread and sufficient depth for its roots
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 1 to 1.5 m (3 to 5 ft). The cultivation of a melon containing requires a reserve of soil and a real place for foliage. Choose a warm and sheltered location before installing the plant. If the stems are carried on a support, check its anchor and hold the fruit as they grow. Keep an eye on the waterings: the root ball of a pot exposed to the sun can dry well before the soil of the vegetable garden. The watermelon Blacktail Mountain offers round fruits with dark green skin and red flesh. This watermelon is distinguished by its early maturity, interesting when summer is relatively short. Install its vines in the warmest part of the vegetable garden and let the fruit finish maturing on the plant. While the melons grow, keep a steady humidity on the foot and let the leaves catch the light. Avoid often moving the vines or twisting the peduncles. The stage of maturity is determined by the type of melon: observe the changes in colour, the appearance of the peduncle and the specific markers of the variety.
Growth and harvest
Size, flowering & harvest
Mature height
30 to 50 cm (12 to 20")
Width / spread
1 to 1.5 m (3 to 5 ft)
Foliage type
Seasonal foliage
Growth habit
Trailing
Edible parts
Ripe fruits
Bloom period
Flowering usually occurs in this period: July to August. Keep the flowers on the plants while they are open, because they contribute to fruit formation. For varieties that require pollination, allow insects access to flowers and avoid treatments during their activity. The presence of a flower does not guarantee that a fruit will form. Maintain regular moisture during this step, without soaking the soil, and then monitor the development of the young fruit without damaging the stems.
Fruiting
Harvest leafy vegetables using the method appropriate to the type of plant. Picking the outer leaves preserves the centre of the plant when you want harvesting to continue. Very old leaves do not give the same tenderness as young shoots. Rinse the harvest just before use or dry it thoroughly before a short stay in the refrigerator. While the melons grow, keep a steady humidity on the foot and let the leaves catch the light.
Harvest
75 days after sowing
Garden companions
Garden associations
Companion plants & uses
Companion plants
In a diverse planting, you can reserve sections close to these plants: corn, capucine, sunflower. The association is used here to organize space and crops. Allow for the height, light requirements and water needs of each plant, leaving enough room between the foliage. Keep a path clear for watering and harvesting, then remove finished crops to make room for the next planting. This arrangement makes maintenance easier without promising protection against garden pests. Reserve a sunny area of the vegetable garden for this melon so its stems can spread without crowding the neighbouring rows.
Garden use
Reserve a sunny area of the vegetable garden for this melon so its stems can spread without crowding the neighbouring rows. A path alongside the planting makes it easier to inspect the fruits and water the plants. Place the fruit on a clean surface if the soil remains moist, maintaining its natural position. For vertical growing suited to the type of melon, also support the fruit with a device that distributes their weight. The watermelon Blacktail Mountain offers round fruits with dark green skin and red flesh. This watermelon is distinguished by its early maturity, interesting when summer is relatively short. Install its vines in the warmest part of the vegetable garden and let the fruit finish maturing on the plant. Harvest leafy vegetables using the method appropriate to the type of plant. Picking the outer leaves preserves the centre of the plant when you want harvesting to continue. Very old leaves do not give the same tenderness as young shoots. Rinse the harvest just before use or dry it thoroughly before a short stay in the refrigerator. While the melons grow, keep a steady humidity on the foot and let the leaves catch the light. Avoid often moving the vines or twisting the peduncles.
Recipe and storage
Recipe idea
From garden to table
Kitchen idea with Melon d'eau ‘Blacktail Mountain: melon salad for four servings. Prepare 600 g of ripe flesh, without skin or seeds, and cut into cubes. Add 10 ml lime juice and six sliced mint leaves. Gently mix, then keep in the refrigerator until served. For a simple presentation, divide the cubes into four small bowls. Work on a clean board after washing the bark of the whole fruit, to limit the transfer of dirt during cutting. Prepare all the ingredients using clean kitchen utensils, and choose the size of the cut pieces according to the size of the produce you harvested. This recipe highlights freshly picked parts: remove damaged pieces before preparation. If you double the quantities, keep enough space in the dish to mix or cook evenly. Quickly place leftovers in the refrigerator in a closed container and consume them within two days. For a two-person meal, simply divide all quantities by two.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Blacktail Mountain Watermelon from seed?
Recommended planting period: May to June. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1.5 to 2.5 cm (0.6 to 1 in.). Germination usually takes 5 to 10 days. For germination, keep the soil at 24 to 30 °C (75 to 86 °F). Melons need a warm growing season and transplanting that avoids stress to their roots. If you start the plants indoors, use individual containers and transplant before the roots become pot-bound. Keep the root ball whole and acclimatize the foliage to the sun. Plant outdoors once the soil has warmed. A young plant exposed too early to cold loses growing time that the next heat does not always catch up.
Can I grow Blacktail Mountain Watermelon in a container?
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 1 to 1.5 m (3 to 5 ft). The cultivation of a melon containing requires a reserve of soil and a real place for foliage. Choose a warm and sheltered location before installing the plant. If the stems are carried on a support, check its anchor and hold the fruit as they grow. Keep an eye on the waterings: the root ball of a pot exposed to the sun can dry well before the soil of the vegetable garden. The watermelon Blacktail Mountain offers round fruits with dark green skin and red flesh.
When can I harvest Blacktail Mountain Watermelon?
Harvest leafy vegetables using the method appropriate to the type of plant. Picking the outer leaves preserves the centre of the plant when you want harvesting to continue. Very old leaves do not give the same tenderness as young shoots. Rinse the harvest just before use or dry it thoroughly before a short stay in the refrigerator. While the melons grow, keep a steady humidity on the foot and let the leaves catch the light. Avoid often moving the vines or twisting the peduncles. The stage of maturity is determined by the type of melon: observe the changes in colour, the appearance of the peduncle and the specific markers of the variety.
What makes Blacktail Mountain Watermelon distinctive in the garden?
The watermelon Blacktail Mountain offers round fruits with dark green skin and red flesh. This watermelon is distinguished by its early maturity, interesting when summer is relatively short. Install its vines in the warmest part of the vegetable garden and let the fruit finish maturing on the plant. Reserve a sunny area of the vegetable garden for this melon so its stems can spread without crowding the neighbouring rows. A path alongside the planting makes it easier to inspect the fruits and water the plants. Place the fruit on a clean surface if the soil remains moist, maintaining its natural position. For vertical growing suited to the type of melon, also support the fruit with a device that distributes their weight.
How should I arrange a planting of Blacktail Mountain Watermelon?
Reserve a sunny area of the vegetable garden for this melon so its stems can spread without crowding the neighbouring rows. A path alongside the planting makes it easier to inspect the fruits and water the plants. Place the fruit on a clean surface if the soil remains moist, maintaining its natural position. For vertical growing suited to the type of melon, also support the fruit with a device that distributes their weight. While the melons grow, keep a steady humidity on the foot and let the leaves catch the light. Avoid often moving the vines or twisting the peduncles. The stage of maturity is determined by the type of melon: observe the changes in colour, the appearance of the peduncle and the specific markers of the variety.
BiologiquePatrimonialeReproductible
Seed-starting essentials
Click a product to build your selection.
Your selection
Total
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.