Anyone familiar with heirloom watermelon varieties?

Discussion in 'Fruit and Veg Gardening' started by Catdaddy6676, Sep 15, 2019.

  1. Catdaddy6676

    Catdaddy6676 In Flower

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    Specifically I mean yellow fleshed, low sugar and pale green rind color. I bought one a week ago and have saved the seeds to get some growing next season. I just want to know the name of what I am planting! Thanks in advance for all the help!

    If it helps, the melon was 17#'s before I disassembled it.

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  3. marlingardener

    marlingardener Happy

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    I searched all my "heirloom" catalogs, and came up with zilch. I can tell you a long list of what it isn't, but that's not helpful. Thank heavens you saved seeds and can grow the "mystery melon" next year. Perhaps by that time we'll have it figured out!
     
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  4. marlingardener

    marlingardener Happy

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    I may be onto something, watermelon-wise. I dug out an old Shumway's catalog (a firm I'd never order from but they have pretty pictures) and your yellow fleshed, light green rind melon may be Clay County. Described as A true heirloom dating back to the early 1900's from Clay County, Alabama. One of the best tasting yellow-flesh watermelons available. Under ideal growing conditions, melons can reach 35 to 40 pounds. Does well even during drought conditions. Unique tan color seeds. Sure to be a new favorite..

    Here is the link to a photo: https://www.rhshumway.com/product/484/266
     
  5. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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  6. mart

    mart Strong Ash

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    Thin rind so definitely an heirloom !! Melons now have much thicker rinds because they must stand up to being shipped !!
     
  7. Catdaddy6676

    Catdaddy6676 In Flower

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    Thanks so much for your input! The Clay County melon is a dead ringer for the flesh but mine has no stripes on the outer rind.

    Hmmmm... Maybe I can name it myself and become synonymous with it... "Catdaddy's Gold"! Lol
     
  8. mart

    mart Strong Ash

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    Hey,, go for it !!
     

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