Carrot – 200 Seeds – Orange Variety – Root Vegetable – Easy Sowing – Outdoor Cultivation

Main Features: Botanical Name: Citrullus lanatus var. 'Kirin' German Name: Dwarf Watermelon, 'Kirin' Watermelon, Mini Watermelon Type: Annual fruit plant Number of Seeds: 30 Sowing Time: April to May (under cover) or May-June outdoors, after the last frosts Maturity: 65 to 80 days after sowing Fruit Weight: 2–4 kg (depending on growing conditions) Growth Habit: Creeping or climbing, 100–150 cm spread Location: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours per day) Hardiness: Not hardy (freezes in winter), requires a minimum temperature of 18–20°C to germinate Description: The 'Kirin' watermelon is a miniature variety originally from Asia, prized for its bright red, juicy, and very sweet flesh. Unlike classic watermelons, this variety is characterized by its thin skin and compact size, making it ideal for small gardens, balconies, or large pot cultivation. Fruit Characteristics: Shape: Round to slightly oval Skin: Green with dark green stripes, thin Flesh: Bright red, crisp, very sweet Seeds: Reduced number Uses: Fresh eating in slices or cubes Fruit salads, smoothies, sorbets Suitable for pot cultivation on terraces or balconies Sowing and Cultivation: Sowing: Time: Sow in pots under cover (greenhouse, conservatory) in April-May. Wait until nighttime temperatures exceed 12°C before planting outdoors. Seed Preparation: To improve germination, soak seeds in lukewarm water for 12 to 24 hours before sowing. Depth: Sow seeds 1–2 cm deep, 1 seed per pot (or 2–3 seeds per group outdoors). Germination: Germination takes 5 to 10 days at a soil temperature between 20 and 25°C. Transplanting and Spacing: Outdoors: Plant at a spacing of 80–100 cm in all directions. Since the 'Kirin' variety is more compact, a spacing of 60–80 cm may suffice. In pots: Choose a pot with at least 30–40 cm diameter and 40–50 cm depth with good drainage. Cultivation and Care: Soil: Rich in organic matter, deep, light, and well-drained. Improve with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Watering: Regular during growth, especially during flowering and fruit set. Avoid wetting the foliage. Reduce watering as ripening approaches to concentrate flavors. Fertilization: Apply a potassium-rich fertilizer (for fruit development) at the start of flowering. Mulching: A mulch layer (black plastic or straw) helps retain soil warmth and moisture and suppresses weeds. Pruning: Pinch off the main shoot after 4–5 leaves to encourage side shoot development. Limit the number of fruits to 3–4 per plant to obtain sweet, well-developed fruits. Harvest: Time: 65 to 80 days after sowing. Ripeness Signs: The stem (fruit stalk) dries out. The fruit gives a hollow sound when tapped. The ground spot turns yellow. The skin becomes slightly matte. Method: Cut the fruit with pruning shears, leaving 3–4 cm of stem. Tips: The 'Kirin' watermelon is more compact than classic varieties, making it suitable for pot cultivation or training on a trellis (with support). In regions with cool summers (Northern France), cultivation under cover or in a greenhouse is recommended to ensure good ripening. Combine cultivation with black mulch to warm the soil in spring. Packaging: 30 seeds.