Watermelon Pumpkin 'Zdorovya' is a unique molecular hybrid of watermelon and pumpkin, developed at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. This variety is distinguished by high yield, exceeding parent varieties by 20-30%, and is registered in the State Register of Varieties of Ukraine. The fruit has a striped green rind with an orange tint, thin and tough, ensuring storage until May. The flesh is orange, soft, and tender, combining the beneficial properties of both plants.
The plant features a sprawling, hollow, and branched stem up to 3 meters long, large slightly notched leaves with minimal hair, and large orange-yellow flowers. The seeds are oval-shaped, yellow-white or brown, 2-3 cm long, resembling watermelon and pumpkin seeds. For sowing, seeds are pre-soaked in room-temperature water, then kept in a warm, moist environment for 2-3 days. Seedbeds should be spaced 70-100 cm apart, with rows 1.2-1.8 m apart. Soil should be warmed to 12-15°C and enriched with organic fertilizers and ash.
Watermelon Pumpkin 'Zdorovya' has medicinal properties, high iron and vitamin T content, making it beneficial for children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Its flesh and seeds are edible, used for salads, pancakes, braised dishes with meat, and in prevention and treatment of various diseases. Plant care includes weeding, loosening soil, and fertilization twice per season using cow manure, chicken manure, or other fertilizers. To form large fruits, after the appearance of 2-3 fruits, the tip of the main stem is pinched off, leaving only one fruit.
