Watermelon Karistan F1: its features, rules of planting and care

The early ripeness of Karistan F1 watermelon, good yields on almost any soil and high taste characteristics have made this hybrid variety in demand in different regions of Russia. The following describes the qualities of Karistan and recommendations for cultivation.

Watermelon variety “Karistan F1”

watermelon “Karistan F1” attracts gardeners with its high taste qualities

transportability of watermelon variety “Karistan F1” does not lose external qualities, therefore it is convenient for growing on an industrial scale

Description of watermelon

Watermelon Karistan F1 is an early ripening hybrid variety. The weight of the fetus is on average 2.8-5.1 kg. It can mature 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 spiny stripes.

The 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 fruit is oval or broadly elliptical.

The pulp is red to dark red, scarlet, dense in structure. The taste is juicy, crumbly, with a high sugar content. The seeds are small, black.

Watermelon hybrid variety Karistan

If some time ago it was believed that on the territory of the Russian Federation, sweet melons could be grown only in the warmest, southern regions, then the recently selected hybrid variety Watermelon Karistan does not need abundant heat; it is grown in all corners of the country.

Description

Ultra-early ripening watermelon was developed by scientists from Holland at the dawn of the 21st century. Karistan was brought to our country in 2007. And 2012 was marked in the scientific community by the fact that the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation officially allowed the cultivation of hybrid watermelon in the Lower Volga and Ural regions. Karistan is grown in open ground conditions in Chelyabinsk, Kurgan and their regions.

Characteristics of Karistan

The hybrid is distinguished by good fruit set even under not entirely favorable conditions.

Harvesting and application

The harvest is harvested in clear sunny weather, not earlier than 4-5 days after rain . This will preserve the fruits longer and allow them to be transported over long distances.

The readiness of watermelons for harvesting is determined by:

• dried stalk;
• yellow spot;
• increased crust hardness.

The fruits are consumed fresh; jam, candied fruits, fruit juices and smoothies, and various exotic snacks are prepared from them.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of Karistan watermelon:

• high yields with proper agricultural technology;
• early ripeness;
• intensive seed germination, rapid plant growth, even fruit ripening;
• undemanding to soils;
• high taste characteristics;
• resistance to fusarium and anthracnose;
• decent appearance of the fruit;
• retains commercial quality during long-term transportation;
• the best option for commercial cultivation.

Flaws:

• in cloudy weather, watermelons accumulate insufficient amounts of sugars;
• lack of seedlings when sowing in soil that has not had time to warm up well.

A brief overview of the Karistan watermelon is presented in the video below:

History of selection and region of growth

The Karistan variety was bred at the very beginning of the 21st century by Dutch breeders working in.

He became known in Russia in 2007, and began to enjoy enormous popularity already in 2012, when he was included in the State Register.

Thanks to its early ripeness and excellent transportability, Karistan watermelon is actively grown in all regions of Russia. This is an excellent choice not only for summer residents, but also for people selling watermelons, since the variety allows you to grow impressive and high-quality harvests of sweet summer berries.

Landing Features

Karistan is grown by direct sowing of seeds into the soil or planted as seedlings. This hybrid loves light sandy and sandy loam soils. There will not be a rich harvest on cold, heavy clay lands.

The site should be well heated and illuminated by the sun, slightly elevated, protected from the wind. The root of the plant goes 1 m or more deep, so it is important that the groundwater level is not high.

The best predecessors for watermelon are cabbage, onions, root vegetables, and legumes. Watermelons are planted in the same place no earlier than after 4 years, which avoids the development of diseases, reduction in 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 has 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, plants are sown at a distance of 0.6-1 m. In the case of rainfed cultivation, the seeding depth is 3-6 cm, with drip irrigation - 1-3 cm.

Seedlings

To meet the period when there is enough sunlight and heat for watermelons to ripen, they are planted as seedlings. This option is especially relevant for central Russia, where summers are not as hot and long as in the south.

The process of growing seedlings from seed preparation to planting in open or protected ground:

1. Select full-bodied seeds, treat them in a solution of potassium permanganate, then rinse with clean water and dry.
2. 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 a fungicide, then there is no need for soaking and germination. They are planted in the ground without any preparation.

3. 30-35 days before the planned planting, place the seeds (2-3 pieces each) in separate containers with moist soil, sowing depth - 3 cm.
4. The temperature before emergence is from +23º C to +30º C. Create a greenhouse effect by covering the containers with a piece of film or glass.
5. When seedlings appear, reduce the temperature to +17º C for 3 days, then continue to grow seedlings at the same temperature.
6. Provide high-quality and intense lighting.
7. Plant seedlings in open ground at the stage of 2-3 true leaves, when the threat of frost has passed. Plant the plants in the soil a little deeper than they grew in peat cups. It is better to plant on a mulching film, it will retain heat and prevent weeds from germinating. Planting pattern 100 x 140 cm.
8. After planting, water the seedlings as quickly as possible and cover with film.

How to plant correctly

Not all Russian regions have warm summers, so innovative developments make it possible to accelerate the vegetation growth of crops using special stimulants and fertilizers. The fruits begin to ripen when there is abundant heat - this is the main factor in yield in cool regions. There are two methods of planting - seedless and through seedlings.

Seedless method

The first method of care is longer; from planting seeds to germination and fruit production, it takes 3 months. If certain rules are followed, summer residents will be pleased with ripe and juicy watermelons of the Dutch Karistan variety.

Recommendations for choosing deadlines

The sowing time depends on the region, in the southern parts it is mid-April, in the northern and middle zones - the first ten days of May.

Predecessors

A favorable area for the Karistan variety, where potatoes, beans, peas, corn or other legumes were previously grown.

Requirements for location and soil

The melon culture loves hot climates, so the best site for Karistan watermelon is with plenty of light and sun rays, slightly elevated. In such a place, the fruits will ripen with high sugar production. Soil with sand and peat will serve as a good stimulator for the development of a healthy root system.

See also

Description and characteristics of watermelon variety Producer, growing features

Read

Site preparation

Prepare the area for sowing seeds or seedlings as follows:

• the area is cleared of all weeds and pests;
• dig up soil for planting seeds;
• make grooves and pour boiled water over them.

How to select and prepare planting material

Watermelon Karistan F1 is sold in specialized stores in farm packaging. The number of seeds in them is from 100-1000 pieces, all of them are treated with a fungicide against diseases.

To plant Karistan watermelon in the middle zone and northern regions, the seeds are soaked in hot water at +50 degrees. You can add stimulants for melons and melons to the water. When small sprouts appear, they are planted in two pots with soil. The sowing is covered with film or glass to ensure a temperature of +30 degrees. In the south, seeds are planted in heated open ground up to +15 degrees.

Through seedlings

Seedlings can be purchased from manufacturers of agronomic products or planted yourself. Planting seeds is given in the previous section.

Choice of terms

If you sow independently, young seedlings will appear within 20 days. The shoots should have 1-2 leaves. In order for the seedlings to get used to the climate, they are taken outside or onto the balcony for 15-20 minutes, the temperature should be within +20 degrees. After several times you can plant it in prepared soil. Approximate date: late April or early May.



Requirements for soil mixture

The soil mixture for Karistan watermelon seedlings should be heated and contain sand, peat, and turf soil.

To avoid bacterial wilting of watermelon seedlings, in the fall the area is carefully cleared of weeds, then in the spring the remains are allowed to germinate and removed by the roots. Next, they dig up the area and prepare neat grooves.

How to prepare seeds

To prepare seeds of the Karistan variety, a strong fruit is noted in advance in the garden bed. They wait until fully ripened for up to 60-70 days, determined by the stalk, which usually dries out, and by the dull sound when tapped on the body. Cut in half, remove the pulp from the middle. Separate the seeds, wash in warm water, and leave to dry for a couple of days. Place it in a paper envelope and sign it.

How to drop off

With proper planting, the grooves are dug at a distance of 140-180 cm, the seedlings are planted to a depth of 4 cm, the distance between them is from 60-100 cm. Afterwards, they are watered abundantly with warm water.

Aftercare

With further care, the structure of the plant is stimulated: the vines become thicker, the main root goes deep up to 1 m, the ovaries form faster.

Temperature

Melon culture loves temperatures from +30 to + 40 degrees.

Stimulation of the formation of lateral roots

According to the description, the Karistan watermelon variety has a main root and 15 side roots. To stimulate the root system, some lashes are sprinkled with earth, after which new lateral roots are formed.

Top dressing

The growing season requires fertilizing with organic and nitrogen fertilizers. During the ripening period, fertilizing is not needed.

Planting in open ground

In the southern regions, open ground is the most favorable. At the end of April, the sun's rays abundantly warm the soil, and the watermelon variety is planted as seedlings or seeds.

Watermelon growing process

Watermelon grown in open ground under the sun's rays will be much tastier, sweeter and juicier than those grown in greenhouse conditions.

In order to increase the yield, watermelon lashes are sprinkled with soil to form additional roots.

Watermelon care includes the following activities:

• Watering. Seedlings require abundant watering 1-2 times a week, preferably in the evening. During the growth of the green mass, it is watered as the top layer of soil dries. When flowering begins, do this less frequently, and when the fruits form and ripen, watering is stopped.
• Feeding. During the growing season, 2 feedings are carried out. 2 weeks after planting, the seedlings are fed with a solution of chicken manure or mullein (1:10). After 15 days, nitrogen fertilizers are given, for example, ammonium nitrate (20 g of fertilizer per 10 liters of water).
• Weeding and loosening. Weeds are removed as they appear. The soil around 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. Watermelon fruits are formed primarily on the main stem and shoot of the first order. They are not touched, but all excess lashes are pinched off. When 2-3 fruits are formed, the central stem is also pinched. Remove fruits and ovaries that do not have time to ripen.
• Rotating the fruits . Helps increase yield, prevents fruit from overheating, and accelerates ripening. The watermelon is turned over so that the side lying on the ground faces the sun.

You can turn the fruit only once, since more turns can significantly reduce the yield. Read more about growing watermelons in open ground here.

Karistan - a variety of Watermelon plant

Variety characteristics:

Properties of the Karistan variety:

Recommended region on the map:

Information on the admission of Watermelon Karistan from the Register of the State Variety Commission of the Russian Federation

Application for admission No. 49133, registered 2007-12-05. The Watermelon Karistan variety was included in the register of those approved in 2012. Approved for use in the regions: Nizhnevolzhsky, Ural.

The originator of the Watermelon Karistan variety is:

• SYNGENTA SEEDS BV (WESTEINDE 62, PO BOX 2, 1600 AA ENKHUIZEN THE NETHERLANDS)

Other varieties of watermelon plant

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Features of growing in a greenhouse

When growing Karistan watermelon in a greenhouse, the planting scheme is 0.7 x 0.7 m. Trellis are used, to which lashes are tied and fruits that have reached the size of a large apple are hung in nets. This allows you to avoid thickening and optimally position the fruits.

Water only with warm water. Once a week, plants are fed during watering by 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.

Optimal growing conditions

The highest crop yields are achieved only in the presence of certain conditions for growing plants. These include choosing a suitable site or creating the desired microclimate when planting watermelon in a greenhouse.

Did you know? To make storing watermelons more convenient, a Japanese farmer from Zantsuji developed a variety of cube-shaped fruits in 1981.

The homeland of the striped berry is the southern part of Africa, which is characterized by a dry and hot climate, so the plant must be planted taking into account the following requirements:

a sufficient amount of sunlight or artificial light - in the shade, watermelons grow poorly and the fruits will be small, and their pulp will not absorb enough sugar and will lose its bright taste;

comfortable air temperature during the growing season of the plant is in the range of +25...+45 °C, since the crop does not tolerate frost at all and dies when the temperature drops to +5 °C, and as a result of a long stay of the plant at +15 °C, its growth and formation fruits slow down;

air humidity 50–60% - this condition is important for the successful cultivation of crops in a greenhouse, since at low humidity the plant begins to wither, and at high humidity it can rot;

loose and light soil - sandy soil that allows air and water to pass through is best, but in too wet clay soil the plant will begin to rot;

neutral level of soil acidity - soils that are too acidic or alkaline have a detrimental effect on the roots of striped berries and can cause diseases or pests;

good predecessors - it is recommended to plant watermelon where root vegetables, cabbage and perennial herbs were grown last year, while pumpkin and nightshade crops are considered bad predecessors for the plant.

Ataman watermelons can be replanted in the same area only after 6–8 years.

Diseases, pests and their control

The crop has a predisposition to fungal diseases. Lower temperatures, cloudy and rainy weather contribute to their development. The fungus attacks the root system, leaves and fruits of the plant.

Of particular danger are:

Watermelon pests and measures to combat them are in the table below:

Seeds of ultra-early and very early watermelons, new items

Breeders have been breeding watermelon hybrid seeds since the nineties.

Of the most famous varieties that appeared after 2000, we will note several and indicate them in the table.

Ultra-early watermelon is distinguished by its popularity due to its rapid germination and good early harvest.

Although the berry is small in size, with proper care it is very tasty and sweet.

We invite you to watch a video about growing watermelons:

Reviews from gardeners about the Karistan hybrid

★★★★★
Vasily, 51 years old, farmer, Novorossiysk. On our farm we grow Karistan using seedlings using drip irrigation.
The hybrid has proven itself only on the positive side, unpretentious, transportable. We harvested 80 tons per hectare. ★★★★★
Yaroslav Igorevich, 40 years old, beginning melon grower, Stavropol. For the last few years I have been growing watermelons, mainly for sale.
The fruits of Karistan can be of different sizes, depending on care, land, and weather. Watermelons sell out quickly; for me personally, this is a profitable hybrid. Hide

Add your review

Watermelon Karistan F1 is recommended for industrial cultivation. For this, it has all the necessary qualities, but with no less success it can be grown in summer cottages for personal consumption.

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Reviews

Farmers note the excellent taste of the fruit, the unpretentiousness of the crop and high yield:

Alexey, Krasnodar region : “We grow Karistan from seedlings using irrigation systems. The hybrid has shown itself well: productive, transportable, with excellent fruit taste and small seeds. We cultivate for sale and get a good profit from it.”

Veronica Moscow region : “I planted Karistan in a greenhouse - it took root well, despite the fact that we had a cool May. We got several watermelons from one bush. The largest one weighs about 4 kg. They taste sweet and are not at all like store-bought watermelons.”