Moon and Stars Watermelon is a visually captivating heirloom variety, first introduced in the United States in the early 1900s. It gained popularity for its unique appearance and delicious, sweet flavour. Its name comes from its striking dark green rind, which is dotted with numerous tiny yellow “stars” and one or two larger yellow “moons,” giving it an almost celestial look!

The melons are typically oval and can grow to be quite large, reaching 9-14 kg when well cared for. The rind’s dark green colour with yellow spots gives it an eye-catching look in the garden, while the flesh inside is a deep pink to red. Moon and Stars watermelon is known for its sweetness, often described as rich and refreshing, with a flavour that’s perfect for hot summer days.

How to Grow Moon and Stars Watermelon from Seeds:

Growing Moon and Stars watermelons in Australia is quite easy, as they thrive in warm climates and need a long growing season. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose the Right Time to Plant

• Watermelons are warm-weather crops, so it’s best to plant seeds when the soil temperature is consistently above 18°C, ideally between late spring and early summer, depending on your region in Australia.

2. Soil Preparation

• Moon and Stars watermelons prefer well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
• Prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure a few weeks before planting to boost nutrients.
• Create mounds (or small hills) about 1 metre apart, as these melons need plenty of space to sprawl.

3. Sowing the Seeds

• Sow seeds about 2-3 cm deep, placing 2-3 seeds in each mound.
• Once seedlings emerge and have a couple of true leaves, thin out weaker plants, leaving only the strongest seedling per mound.

4. Watering and Maintenance

• Water consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, particularly during germination and early growth.
• Reduce watering once the fruits start to develop to prevent splitting and encourage a sweeter flavour.
• Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and keep the soil temperature stable.

5. Fertilising

• Apply a balanced, organic fertiliser every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
• When the vines start to spread, switch to a fertiliser higher in potassium to support fruit growth.

6. Pollination and Care

• Watermelons rely on bees for pollination, so avoid using pesticides near the plants, as they could deter bees.
• If pollination seems insufficient, hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from male flowers (which lack a small fruit at the base) to female flowers.

7. Harvesting

• Moon and Stars watermelons typically mature in 90-100 days. You’ll know they’re ready to harvest when the tendrils near the fruit dry out and turn brown.
• Another sign of ripeness is a hollow sound when the melon is tapped.

With the right care, Moon and Stars watermelons can yield a bountiful and beautiful harvest, adding both flavour and visual charm to your garden. Enjoy watching these “heavenly” melons grow and ripen!