January 2023
Happy New Year!
There has been a "growing" interest in new garden challenges at Mary's Heirloom Seeds. Growing watermelons in the garden is fun and easy so we'll start with the challenge of growing the largest watermelon.
Did you know that the world record for the largest watermelon grown to be one of ten giant fruit harvested in 1990 in Arrington, Tennessee, by Mr. Bill Carson and weighing 262 pounds (118.7 kg). Previously, Mr. Middlebrooks near Hope, Arkansas, held the Guinness record with a 195 pound watermelon grown in 1935. The record stood for 44 years until the Bright family, also from Hope County, Arkansas, produced a 200 pound fruit in 1979. and a 260 pounds one in 1985.
Carolina Cross Watermelon is the recommended variety if you are looking to grow the largest watermelon. This variety can grow up to 200 pounds (or larger. The Florida Giant Watermelon is another great watermelon that averages about 50 pounds per melon.
Would you like to join us?
Here's how it works. This is going to be a fun contest with prizes at the end of the season.
-Seeds must be purchased from Mary's Heirloom Seeds
Recommended but not mandatory varieties are:
-Seeds must be grown in 2023 since the contest ends in November 2023
-Please register with us as soon as possible via email to mary@marysheirloomseeds.com with the subject "Grow a Giant Watermelon Challenge"
-There will be a check-in posted once a month at Mary's Heirloom Seeds if you would like to comment and share your "growth" throughout the challenge.
-This challenge is open to residents of the US and Canada
-Take pictures! We love to see your gardens and this is a great way to share your progress
-Have fun!
Please feel free to leave a comment below.
5 comments
My largest Carolina Cross this year was only 25.2lbs. It was super tasty though!
I am growing the Carolina Cross. They are doing well so far!!
When will this contest be held? Did enough people enter?
I thought about doing it ,
but im stil trying to manage control squash bugs/ vine borers.
They killed my fairytale pumpkins and hubbards.
Found squash bug eggs on tomato leaves and sunflowers,
My daughter would love to try this! Any tips for giant pumpkins? Does will feeding them work? I actually grew up in the “Punkin Capital of the USA” and that was always the old wives tale for growing giant pumpkins, but dad never let me try it. 😂
I just sent the email… so much fun! And delicious…..