Low-maintenance, ultra-early watermelon “Bedouin f1” for central Russia

Watermelons have always been considered an ideal summer delicacy, but for a long time they were grown only in the southern regions, where there is a lot of warmth and light. However, breeders have managed to develop several hybrids of this crop that grow in temperate climates, and even in Siberia in film-covered greenhouses. They are distinguished by good yield and taste. Bedouin watermelon F1 is one of these crops.

Description

The hybrid was bred by breeders of the Dutch company Bejo Zaden. The company traditionally breeds vegetables, paying special attention to their zoning.

The company’s most successful developments are aimed at cultivating 3 factors:

• resistance to known diseases;
• improving the taste and appearance of the crop;
• increasing productivity.

All this was achieved to a certain extent when breeding the Bedouin hybrid.

The photo shows the fruits of Bedouin.

Distinctive features

The hybrid is distinguished by early ripening (80 days), resistance to diseases and pests and a characteristic sweet taste.

Important! The main advantage of the hybrid is its ability to grow in unfavorable temperature conditions.

Seeds are sown in open ground when the ground warms up to a temperature of +15...+16°C; they are able to germinate even in such conditions. However, it is better to cover the seedlings with film material.

Composition, properties, benefits, calorie content

Almost any watermelon consists of 90% water, hybrids are no exception.But the remaining 10% contains many valuable and beneficial substances for the human body.

In terms of the amount of vitamins and minerals, the composition of this large berries impressive:

• it contains vitamins of groups A, B, C, E, H and PP;
• watermelon traditionally contains large amounts of calcium, magnesium and iron;
• it contains phosphorus and sodium.

The dietary fiber that makes up watermelon pulp stimulates the removal of harmful substances from the body, accelerates metabolic processes in general, and cleanses the kidneys and bile ducts of small stones and sand. Such a complete cleansing can be successfully accomplished in 1 summer season.

Regular consumption of watermelons significantly lowers blood cholesterol levels and prevents the formation of plaques in blood vessels, which cause numerous diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Calorie content of watermelons varieties Bedouin is close to the traditional one and amounts to 25 kcal per 100 g of product consumed.

Attention! Watermelons contain a lot Sahara, so doctors recommend that people suffering from diabetes consume the berry with caution and in small quantities. The same applies to patients with renal failure.

The sugar content of the pulp of this hybrid is close to 13%.

Characteristics of bushes and fruits

Another distinctive quality of the hybrid is the powerful, energetic development of the bush and vines even in unfavorable weather conditions.

Productivity does not fall when the planting site becomes denser, so on farms it is permissible to plant up to 7,000 plants per 1 hectare.

Fruit characteristics:

• oval shape;
• brindle color - light green stripes interspersed with dark ones;
• peel thickness is 12-13 mm, this figure is considered average;
• the hybrid is resistant to fusarium - the main scourge of melons;
• long keeping quality.

The flesh of these watermelons is juicy, red, crunchy, and has all the valuable taste qualities that are inherent in this culture.

Hybrid Bedouin is suitable for fresh consumption and for pickling for the winter and for cooking jam and candied fruits.

On one lash, 3 fruits are usually formed. The average weight of each of them is 9-10 kg.

Seeds of watermelon

For gourmets, the hybrid will be attractive because the seeds of such watermelons are small and there are few of them. However, they cannot be used for subsequent cultivation. Second-generation hybrids grow less viable, are susceptible to disease, and the taste of their fruits takes on a herbal character with a noticeable decrease in sweetness.

Therefore, planting material should be purchased in specialized stores in appropriate packaging. They are sold in bags (5-10 pcs.) or in cassettes, where they are packaged in 40-50 pcs.

How to grow your own

The seedling method of growing is especially effective in regions with a temperate climate, where the soil finally warms up only by the end of May. Indoors, Bedouin hybrid seeds for seedlings can and should be planted at the end of April.

Growing in stages and care

Since the root system of melon crop hybrids is sensitive, it is better not to pick the crop, but to plant the prepared seeds in peat pots or plastic cups. The soil is prepared in the form of a mixture of garden soil, leaf humus and sand, and the latter should be slightly larger than the other components; watermelon loves it.

The optimal temperature for growing is about 25°C. However, germination can begin already at 18 C.

It is recommended to place glasses or pots on window sills on the south side; lighting is not required. There is only one indispensable condition: the leaves of seedlings from neighboring containers should not come into contact with each other, otherwise they may wither - this is a feature of all melons.

The hybrid is planted in open ground in late May - early June. Then the harvest can be harvested at the end of July - beginning of August.

Before planting, the beds are prepared by filling them with compost. It is recommended to plant 2 sprouts on one ridge on both sides, pointing their lashes in opposite directions.

Planting with seeds is recommended in the southern regions, when the soil warms up to 15°C. If fertilizers were not applied to the site in the fall, it is advisable to add 1 tsp to each planting hole. ammofoski, 1 tbsp. l. ash and humus. After this, water is poured into the hole, wait until it is soaked, and 2-3 seeds are placed in it, slightly distant from each other. No re-watering is required.

The first shoots appear within a week. When the first 4 true leaves appear, you can thin out the sprouts, leaving the most viable specimens.

Water on hot days and during flowering. In general, 3 abundant waterings are done during the season:

• after the formation of 6 full leaves;
• during the period of full flowering;
• at the beginning of fruit formation.

In these cases, you should not skimp on water; water the entire area, even between the rows. The next day, it is recommended to carry out high-quality loosening and removal of weeds.

When the fruits are fully formed, stop watering.

The first feeding is carried out 2 weeks after planting the seedlings in open ground. The second - when setting fruit.

A solution of ammonium nitrate or chicken manure is used as the basis for feeding.

Features of cultivation and possible difficulties

The main difficulty in growing these watermelons is the timely and correct formation of the bush. Since the Bedouin stem grows vigorously, it must be pinched after the bush produces 3 fruits the size of a chicken egg.

Side shoots and stepsons are shortened, starting from the bottom ones.

Another feature: If fruits lie on the ground as they ripen, they may begin to rot or become infected with disease. If the plantation is small, it is recommended to place small sheets of plywood under each fruit.

Resistance to diseases and pests

Despite a certain resistance to diseases, this hybrid can be affected by diseases:

• powdery mildew is visible by a white coating on the leaves and rotting of the fruits;
• peronosporosis affects the leaves and slows down, or even stops, the growth of fruits;
• olive spot affects the ovaries;
• angular spotting creates oil spots and holes on the leaves;
• anthracnose leads to drying out of the entire bush;
• brown rot destroys roots;
• cucumber mosaic forms a mosaic-like pattern on the leaves, after which the plant dies.

Among the pests, watermelons are often attacked by wireworms, melon aphids and winter cutworms appear, which gnaw at the roots of the plant.

Diseases are treated with chemicals and Bordeaux mixture.

Important! Cucumber mosaic cannot be treated; affected bushes should be destroyed immediately.

Pests are afraid of a solution of potassium permanganate, a decoction of tobacco leaves or ash.

Harvesting and application

The fruits are harvested at the beginning of ripeness. Unripe ones can ripen for a long time outside the melon field, but overripe ones do not last long.Watermelons picked in a timely manner retain their presentation for 45 days.

Used fresh, pickled, preserves and jams.

Advantages and disadvantages

This hybrid has many advantages:

• watermelon has excellent traditional taste;
• easy to transport;
• resistant to diseases;
• withstands temperature changes;
• a lot of sugar accumulates in fruits;
• the presentation of the product is quite attractive;
• dense planting in a limited area does not reduce the yield of this hybrid.

Minus conditional: every season it is necessary to purchase new seeds, but they are relatively expensive; you cannot use your own seed material for a full harvest.

Reviews

All gardeners who have invested time and effort in quality plant care speak positively about the Bedouin hybrid.

Matvey, Rostov: “My previous experience of growing watermelons at my dacha was not fun - even if the fruits ripened, they were very small. One day I saw a Bedouin at a neighbor’s place, became interested, and tried to buy the seeds myself. In the first season, nothing came of it either: I had no idea about the timing of watering and about diseases of melons. I had to read something and listen to advice. And now this hybrid is one of the most beloved in our family. There is no need to compare with imported watermelons, ours are better.”

Igor, Belgorod: “I grow melons in the Southern Urals. There is a lot of sun here in the summer, but there are also noticeable differences in day and night temperatures. Not all watermelons can withstand them. But this hybrid is hardy, tasty, and retains its presentation for a long time. It is readily accepted for sale in retail outlets. This culture suits me."

Conclusion

The appearance of Bedouin F1 and similar hybrids on the market has made it possible to grow watermelons in open ground in those regions of Russia where these fruits were not previously cultivated. The hybrid is unpretentious, grows actively, tastes sweet and juicy. We can safely recommend it to lovers of melons.