The early ripeness of the watermelon Karistan F1, good yields on almost all soils and high taste characteristics made this hybrid variety in demand in different regions of Russia. The following describes Karistan’s qualities and growing recommendations.
Variety of watermelon “Karistan F1”
watermelon “Karistan F1” attracts gardeners with high taste
the transportability of the watermelon of the variety “Karistan F1” does not lose its external qualities, therefore it is convenient for growing on an industrial scale
Watermelon Description
Watermelon Caristan F1 is an early ripe hybrid variety. The weight of the fetus is on average 2.8-5.1 kg. It can ripen up to 8-13 kg, and according to the originator, up to 16 kg. The peel is smooth, shiny, of medium thickness, green or light green, with dark green prickly stripes.
Leaves are medium sized, slightly dissected, from light green to green. The plant is strong, climbing, with a powerful root system. The shape of the fetus is oval or widely elliptical.
The pulp is red to dark red, scarlet, dense in structure. It tastes juicy, friable, high in sugar. Seeds are small, black.
History of breeding and regions of growth
Watermelon Karistan F1 was bred by breeders of the Swiss company Syngenta (Syngenta). In Russia they found out about him in 2007, and the hybrid became widely known in 2012, the year it entered the State Register.
Watermelons of this hybrid variety are grown in almost all regions of the Russian Federation. Ural and Lower Volga regions are defined as tolerance regions, i.e. the hybrid is suitable for cultivation even in the Kurgan, Chelyabinsk and Orenburg regions.
Caristan Characteristics
The hybrid is distinguished by good fruit setting, even under not very favorable conditions.
Characteristics / Parameters | Description / Meaning |
Ripening time | early: from planting seedlings - 62-64 days, with direct sowing from the appearance of seedlings to the first harvest of fruits - 80-82 days |
Plant type | medium braided |
Productivity | when growing on a dry land 145-250 kg / ha, on drip irrigation - up to 70 t / ha |
Disease and pest resistance | strong plant, resistant to anthracnose, fusarium wilt and sunburn |
Growing methods | grown in seedlings and seedlings |
Transportability, storage | tolerates transportation well (retains commercial quality for 14 days after removal) |
Seeding rate | on 1 ha - 5-6 thousand plants |
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of watermelon Karistan:
- high productivity with competent agricultural technology;
- early ripeness;
- intensive seed germination, rapid plant growth, even ripening of fruits;
- undemanding to soils;
- high taste characteristics;
- resistance to fusarium and anthracnose;
- decent appearance of the fruit;
- preserves commercial qualities during long-term transportation;
- the best option for commercial cultivation.
Disadvantages:
- in cloudy weather, watermelons accumulate insufficient sugars;
- lack of seedlings when sowing in the soil, did not have time to warm up well.
A brief overview of the watermelon "Karistan" is presented in the video below:
Landing Features
Karistan is grown by direct sowing of seeds in the soil or planted with seedlings. This hybrid loves light sandy and sandy loamy soils. There will be no rich harvest on cold, heavy clay lands.
The site should be well warmed up and illuminated by the sun, a little elevated, protected from the wind. The root of the plant goes deeper by 1 m or more, so it is important that the groundwater level is not high.
The best predecessors for watermelon are cabbage, onions, root vegetables, and legumes. In the same place, watermelons are planted no earlier than 4 years later, which avoids the development of diseases, reduced yield and quality of fruits.
Seeds
Sowing seeds in open ground is carried out in May, in warm weather, when the soil at a depth of 8-10 cm warmed up by at least 12-15º C. This planting option is used mainly in regions with a warm climate.
With a row spacing of 1.4-1.8 m, the plants are sown at a distance of 0.6-1 m. In the case of growing on a dry land, the seed placement depth is 3-6 cm, with drip irrigation - 1-3 cm.
Seedlings
To meet the period when there is enough sunlight and heat, so that the watermelons ripen, they are planted with seedlings. This option is especially relevant for central Russia, where the summer is not as hot and long as in the south.
The process of growing seedlings from seed preparation to planting in open or protected ground:
- Select full-weight seeds, process them in a solution of potassium permanganate, then rinse with clean water and dry.
- Soak the seeds 2-4 days before sowing. To improve the quality of seedlings, add a growth stimulator.
If the purchased seeds are treated with fungicide, then soaking and germinating is not necessary. They are planted in the ground without any preparation.
- 30-35 days before the planned planting, place the seeds (2-3 pcs.) In separate containers with moistened soil, sowing depth - 3 cm.
- The temperature before emergence - from + 23º C to + 30º C. Create a greenhouse effect by covering the container with a piece of film or glass.
- When seedlings appear, lower the temperature by 3 days to + 17º C, and then continue to grow seedlings at the same temperature.
- Provide high-quality and intense lighting.
- Plant seedlings in open ground in the phase of 2-3 real leaves when the threat of frost has passed. Plant the plants a little deeper into the ground than they grew in peat cups. It is better to plant on a mulching film, it will retain heat and prevent weeds from germinating. Landing pattern 100 x 140 cm.
- After transplanting, water the seedlings as quickly as possible and cover with foil.
The process of growing watermelon
Watermelon grown in open ground under sunlight will be much tastier, sweeter and juicier than growing in greenhouse conditions.
In order to increase the yield, the lashes of watermelon are sprinkled with earth to form additional roots.
Watermelon care includes the following activities:
- Watering. Seedlings require abundant watering 1-2 times a week, preferably in the evening. In the process of growth of green mass, they are watered as the top layer of the soil dries. When flowering begins, they do it less often, and when the fruits are formed and ripen, watering is stopped.
- Top dressing. During the growing season spend 2 top dressing. 2 weeks after planting, the seedlings are fed a solution of chicken droppings or mullein (1:10). After 15 days, they give nitrogen fertilizers, for example, ammonium nitrate (20 g of fertilizer per 10 liters of water).
- Weeding and cultivation. Weeds are removed as they appear. The soil near plants with 5-7 leaves is loosened to a depth of 10 cm. When the lashes are laid out, it is better not to disturb the bush.
- Formation. The fruits of a watermelon are formed primarily on the main stem and first-order shoot. They do not touch, and pinch all the extra whips. When 2-3 fruits are formed, the central stem is also nipped. Remove fruits and ovaries that do not have time to ripen.
- Fruit rotation. It contributes to an increase in yield, prevents fruit ripening, and accelerates ripening. The watermelon is turned over so that the side lying on the ground is facing the sun.
It is possible to rotate the fruit only once, since a greater number of overturns can significantly reduce the yield. Read more about growing watermelons in open ground here.
Features of growing in a greenhouse
When growing Karistan watermelon in a greenhouse, the planting pattern is 0.7 x 0.7 m. Trellis is used, to which lashes are tied and fruits that have reached the size of a large apple are suspended in nets. This avoids thickening and optimally arranges the fruit.
Watered only with warm water. Once a week, plants are fed during irrigation, adding ammonium nitrate or other nitrogen fertilizers to the water.
The greenhouse must be regularly ventilated to get rid of condensation - watermelons do not tolerate high humidity.
Diseases, pests and their control
The culture has a predisposition to fungal diseases. Lowering the temperature, cloudy and rainy weather contributes to their development. The fungus affects the root system, leaves and fruits of the plant.
Of particular danger are:
Disease | Symptoms | Treatment and prevention |
Powdery mildew | Powdery white powdery spots on leaves and ovaries. Increasing in size, they form a solid white coating. Further, the affected areas turn yellow and die. The fruits are deformed and rot. |
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Olive spotting | Stains of various forms of olive color on the leaves. With high humidity, plaque also appears on the stem. The ovaries dry out. |
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Blackleg | The base of the stem turns black and thinner, the seedling breaks and dies. Excessive watering, cold, excess of mineral fertilizers provoke the disease. | For prophylaxis before planting, the seeds are etched for several hours in a solution of the biological product Agat-25K, Planriz or others. Seedlings are treated with fungicide (Phytolavin, Fitosporin, Bactofit). |
Watermelon pests and control measures are in the table below:
Pests | Harm | Control measures |
Aphid | Aphid colonies cling to the underside of the leaves, stems and suck the plant sap. Affected tissues are deformed and dry. | With a small number - treatment with infusions of mustard, onions, garlic, tobacco every 3-5 days. At the big one - Mospilan, Iskra-Bio, Komandor. |
Sprout fly (larvae) | Roots and stems gnaw out from within. Plants are dying. | Soil cultivation in spring and digging in autumn. The use of insecticides: Fury, Commander, Inta-Vir, etc. |
Proper harvest
Experienced farmers use the following external indicators to determine ripeness:
- the soil stain is not white, but intensely yellow;
- a slight crack is heard during compression;
- a wax coating on the peel or a change in its color.
Harvested in clear and dry weather, at least 4-5 days after rain. The watermelon is cut from the stem, and not unscrewed or torn off, while avoiding bumps and damage to the skin.
Gardeners reviews on the hybrid Karistan
Vasily, 51 years old, farmer, Novorossiysk. In our farm, we grow Karistan seedlings using drip irrigation. The hybrid has proved itself only on the positive side, unpretentious, transportable. They removed 80 tons per hectare.
Yaroslav Igorevich, 40 years old, beginner melon grower, Stavropol. For the past few years I have been growing watermelons, mainly for sale. The fruits of Karistan can be of different sizes, depending on the care, land, weather. Watermelons are snapping up quickly, for me personally this is a profitable hybrid.
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Watermelon Karistan F1 is recommended for industrial cultivation. For this, he possesses all the necessary qualities, but with no less success, it can be grown in summer cottages for personal consumption.