(86 days) Open-pollinated. We started growing seed for this rare large red oblong watermelon after the original Willhite Seed dropped it. Considered the earliest and best-tasting of the Black Diamond types, Verona pumps out 15–20 lb fruits with thin but tough smooth dark green skin and attractive firm red flesh that isn’t mealy. Sweet and tasty, great flavor for an OP melon, Verona had high yields in the OSU trials and got raves at our staff taste test. Well adapted to cool climates, has produced impressively even as far north as Starks, ME. Introduced in 1965 in Mississippi, one of its parents is the famous Charleston Gray. Tolerant to ANTH, F. ①
Verona Red & Pink Flesh - Sustainably Grown
Verona Red & Pink Flesh - Sustainably Grown
(86 days) Open-pollinated. We started growing seed for this rare large red oblong watermelon after the original Willhite Seed dropped it. Considered the earliest and best-tasting of the Black Diamond types, Verona pumps out 15–20 lb fruits with thin but tough smooth dark green skin and attractive firm red flesh that isn’t mealy. Sweet and tasty, great flavor for an OP melon, Verona had high yields in the OSU trials and got raves at our staff taste test. Well adapted to cool climates, has produced impressively even as far north as Starks, ME. Introduced in 1965 in Mississippi, one of its parents is the famous Charleston Gray. Tolerant to ANTH, F. ①
Additional Information
Watermelons
1 gram packet about 20 seeds, sows 7 hills; 1⁄16 oz packet contains about 40 seeds, sows 14 hills. 1 oz contains about 670 seeds.
Culture: Harvesting watermelon at proper ripeness is an art. Thumping should produce a low, hollow sound. Spread thumb and forefinger and press hard on fruit. If you feel any give, watermelon is ripe. Don’t heed the traditional advice to wait for the closest tendril to brown—that may be too late. Minimum germination temperature 60°, optimal range 75–95°.
Diseases: ANTH: Anthracnose, F: Fusarium
Germination Testing
For the latest results of our germination tests, please see the germination page.
Our Seeds are Non-GMO
All of our seeds are non-GMO, and free of neonicotinoids and fungicides. Fedco is one of the original companies to sign the Safe Seed Pledge.