BUSH JUBILEE – SUCH A GREAT WATERMELON! EAT IT FRESH, JUICE IT, SWIRL IT INTO ICECREAM! A FAMILY SIZED MELON WITH THE SWEETEST TASTE EVER! NOTHING BETTER THAN A HUGE SLICE BY THE POOL!

Grows like crazy! This plant is totally heat tolerant, which is a big plus in our climate. Fruiting is great! Great deep red colour, fragrant and very juicy, crisp and sweet. This is very easy to grow. This watermelon thrives in HOT weather.

The Watermelon ‘Bush Jubilee’ is a compact, bush-type variety of watermelon, ideal for smaller garden spaces or container gardening. It is a descendant of the traditional ‘Jubilee’ watermelon, which originated in the United States in the 1960s as a result of selective breeding for disease resistance and larger fruit size.

Origin:

The ‘Bush Jubilee’ watermelon was developed from the larger ‘Jubilee’ variety, which has a long history in American watermelon breeding programs. This compact variety was designed for modern gardeners who want to grow watermelons but have limited space.

Taste:

Bush Jubilee watermelons are known for their sweet, juicy, red flesh and crisp texture, much like the original Jubilee. The flavour is mild yet sweet, making it refreshing and ideal for summer consumption. The fruits typically weigh around 5-7 kg (smaller than the traditional Jubilee, which can reach up to 13 kg), and they have a green-striped rind that contrasts beautifully with the bright red interior.

Growing Bush Jubilee Watermelon from Seed:

Growing ‘Bush Jubilee’ from seed is similar to other watermelon varieties, with a few specific tips for best results:

Sowing Seeds:

Sow seeds directly into the garden or in large containers after the last frost date when the soil has warmed to at least 18°C.
Watermelons prefer full sun and warm temperatures to thrive.
Plant seeds about 2.5-3 cm deep in mounds or rows, spaced 60-90 cm apart to accommodate the bushy growth.

Soil Requirements:

Watermelons thrive in well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting to provide nutrients and improve soil structure.

Watering:

Water regularly, especially during flowering and fruit set, but avoid waterlogging the soil. Watermelons need deep, consistent watering, especially during dry periods, but cut back on watering as the fruits ripen to avoid waterlogged or bland-tasting melons.

Fertilising:

Use a balanced fertiliser early on, but once the vines begin flowering, switch to a fertiliser higher in potassium and phosphorus to support fruit development.

Pollination:

Watermelons rely on pollinators like bees to set fruit, so encourage a healthy population of pollinators in your garden. If pollination is poor, you can hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from male to female flowers using a small brush.

Harvesting:

The fruits are ready to harvest about 85-95 days after sowing. To check ripeness, look for a creamy yellow spot on the underside of the melon where it rests on the ground. The rind will also change to a duller colour, and the tendril closest to the fruit will start to dry out.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow the compact yet productive ‘Bush Jubilee’ watermelon and enjoy its sweet, juicy harvest all summer long.