Desert Watermelon (Citrullus Ianatus)

Desert Watermelon (Citrullus Ianatus): ffrom the deserts of the United States, it is capable of resisting very torrid climates and of enduring long droughts like no other ecotype of the species. The fruit is 4 -6 kg, it has fair skin and yellow pulp, it can also be preserved for long after ready. The plant is not very productive but its taste is exceptional. It has few soil requirements, always considering that a fertile substrate means better organoleptic characteristics. Its roots are amongst the most developed of the species, a good processing of the soil will help reduce water requirements. The green part, on the other hand, is not excessively vigorous and stem tendrils are almost completely absent. Ready in 85 days.

1. Very low: no need for irrigation
2. Low, also suitable for hot and arid areas, irrigate only in case of prolonged drought
3. Reduced needs, this variety is amongst the leas demanding of its species, hence it is highly suitable for areas with sporadic rainfall, to be irrigated only in case of prolonged droughts
4. Tolerant to water stress, it needs moderate irrigation, suitable for gardens with low water consumption.

We are currently creating a guide for this kind of cultivation, unfortunately, until the guide is published, this is only an overall indication that we can provide without causing confusion about the process. Dry farming, in fact, requires cultivation techniques suitable for the specific  pedoclimate and substrate. All of the varieties included in this category have been acclimatized in Italy.