Mountain Sweet Yellow Watermelon is a classic heirloom variety with origins tracing back to the 1800s in the northeastern United States, where it was favoured for its high sugar content and distinct yellow flesh. This variety is known for its excellent sweetness, vibrant appearance, and relatively large size, making it a favourite among gardeners and watermelon enthusiasts!

Mountain Sweet Yellow watermelons are typically oblong in shape, weighing between 8-14 kg when fully mature. The rind is a medium to dark green, often with lighter green stripes running down its length. Inside, the flesh is a striking, bright yellow with a crisp, juicy texture and an exceptionally sweet taste that some describe as honey-like.

How to Grow Mountain Sweet Yellow Watermelon from Seeds:

Growing Mountain Sweet Yellow watermelon in Australia is easy, especially in regions with warm to hot growing seasons. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose the Right Time to Plant
Plant seeds in late spring to early summer when the soil temperature is consistently above 18°C, as watermelons require warmth to germinate and grow well.

2. Soil Preparation
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining, sandy or loamy soil. Mountain Sweet Yellow watermelon thrives in soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Prepare the soil by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure 2-3 weeks before planting, as watermelons are heavy feeders and will benefit from nutrient-rich soil.

3. Sowing the Seeds
Create small mounds (or hills) about 1-1.5 metres apart, as the vines need space to spread and grow. Sow seeds 2-3 cm deep, placing 2-3 seeds per mound. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, thin them to keep only the strongest plant per mound.

4. Watering and Maintenance
Keep the soil evenly moist during germination and initial growth, being careful not to overwater, as waterlogging can damage the roots.
Once the fruits start developing, reduce watering slightly to concentrate the sugars and enhance sweetness while preventing fruit splitting.
Mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.

5. Fertilising
Fertilise every 2-3 weeks with a balanced, organic fertiliser. Once the vines start to spread, switch to a fertiliser higher in potassium to support fruit development and flavour.

6. Pollination and Care
Watermelons rely on bees for pollination, so it’s important to avoid using insecticides, especially during flowering. If needed, hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from the male flowers (lacking a small fruit at the base) to female flowers.

7. Harvesting
Mountain Sweet Yellow watermelons are typically ready for harvest in 90-100 days. Look for a brown, dried tendril near the stem and a hollow sound when tapping the melon.
The underside of the melon, where it rests on the ground, should also turn from light green to a creamy yellow when ripe.

With its striking yellow flesh and extra-sweet taste, Mountain Sweet Yellow watermelon is a fantastic addition to any garden. Following these steps, you can grow and enjoy a fruitful harvest of these unique and delicious watermelons!