Golden Midget Watermelon History

Bred by Elwyn Meader and Albert Yaeger in 1959 at the University of New Hampshire. A stabilized cross between New Hampshire Midget and Pumpkin Rind. Fruits weigh 2-3 pounds and have a refreshingly sweet, salmon-pink colored flesh. Fruits turn golden yellow when fully ripe, taking the guess work out of the “thump” test. A truly unique variety that will ripen in some of the coldest regions of the country.

Golden Midget Watermelon Growing

Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70° F or above. Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Give plants a fabulous start to the growing season by improving native soil with several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter. Consistent water supply is critical to growing huge flavorful watermelon; install a soaker hose or drip irrigation for best results. Avoid wetting the leaves. Watermelons have huge appetites. Keep them well-fed with a continuous supply of nutrients by using a slow-release fertilizer regularly. Keep young melons off the ground with a bed of straw. Harvest watermelons when they turn from bright to dull green. They should sound hollow when you knock on them.

Preserving And Storing Golden Midget

Frozen watermelon will be good for eight to 12 months, which is perfect because it will be watermelon season by the time you run out.

Watermelon Recipes

Just these two ingredients elevates melon from a cookout side dish to a dinner party-worthy salad. Because fresh melon is so hydrating, it’s a great option for a hot summer day. Feel free to use your favorite kind of melon

Golden Midget Nutrition

Watermelon is low in calories and fiber and consists mostly of water and simple sugars. It also contains FODMAPs, which cause digestive problems in some people. It is a good source of vitamin C and contains decent amounts of potassium, copper, vitamin B5, and vitamin A (from beta carotene). Watermelon is a good source of the amino acid citrulline and the antioxidant lycopene, which play important roles in your body. Allergy to watermelons is rare but does exist. This fruit also contains FODMAPs, which may cause unpleasant digestive symptoms.

Other Watermelon Varieties Worth Checking Out

 Crimson Sweet is Very popular, a great choice for the home garden. All American Selections winner from 1964 and still going strong. Light green rinds with dark green stripes, firm and fine textured red flesh. Juicy and flavorful, this one won’t last long in the fridge. Typically grows 20-25 pounds.

 Strawberry Watermelon has Bright strawberry-red melon features a delicate texture and outstanding flavor. Well-known old heirloom. Dark green with lighter green stripes. Long green fruits average 20 pounds and have white seeds. Good disease resistance.