Moon & Stars (Cherokee) Watermelon
Item Details
Eye-popping and scrumptious with bright pink sweet flesh and black seeds, this variety produces fruits that are about 2' long and weigh 10-16 pounds. Introduced in 1924 as Sun, Moon and Stars by Peter Henderson & Co of New York. This strain is from Mereel Hales of Oklahoma who feels it is a pure example of the original variety Hales received it from a Cherokee man in Mississippi.
- 95 days
- Organic
- Elongated fruits grow to 24 inches long
- Fruits weigh up to 10-16 pounds
- Sweet pink flesh
- Speckled rind with "moon" and "star" markings
This variety works for:
- Fresh eating
Nothing compares to the experience of eating fresh watermelon slices on a warm summer day. Watermelon flesh can also be used for cold soups with citrus or in salads with arugula and feta cheese.
To make a refreshing watermelon granita, or frozen ice, blend 4 cups of watermelon flesh that has been cubed and seeded with 1/4 cup of sugar and juice from half of a lime. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze for 1-3 hours. You can then scrape the ice with a fork and serve with mint or basil.
Some people pickle the rinds of watermelons with cider vinegar and pickling spices or with a combination of sugar, cinnamon, and ginger. These pickles are a great addition to appetizer trays at parties.
Growing Instructions
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Space hills 8' apart in all directions. Seeds will germinate in 4-10 days. Can also be started indoors 4 weeks before transplanting out. Watermelons love heat and prefer sandy or light-textured soils.
- Direct Seed: 1/2" Deep
- Seeds to Hill: 6-8 Seeds
- Thin: To 3-4 Plants
- Light: Full Sun
Ratings & Reviews
3 reviews
Beautiful and sweet
by Jessi
Here in East Tennessee these watermelons grew large with only the natural rain fall. The ripe flesh was delicious. This is my new favorite melon to grow.
Lovely statement plant for the garden and sweet
by Polly G
I only got one fruit, but it was 12 lbs and wonderful. I live in MN so not really watermelon territory . Not mealy, and sweet and crunchy. Even the leaves are speckled and I would grow it again just for the ornamental value.
Will 'make it' in poor conditions. Grows very strong in good conditions.
by A
Grew first year with minimal watering in AZ desert zone 9a. Got one fruit from it- the vine was struggling with little water but it was juicy and sweet. It set out a couple more fruits but they didn't make it. Gave it very little fertilizer and all around, treated it poorly in order to see what are some of the worst conditions it would still grow in. This year, I'm growing the saved seeds in a perfect location with ample water, amended soil, and these are growing like wild fire. Tons of fruit set, beautiful foliage too- its spotted as well so don't panic if you see it.