Columbia F1 watermelon is a mid-early diploid hybrid of the Crimson Sweet type, developed by Rijk Zwaan. This variety is characterized by rapid growth and early fruit setting, ensuring stable yield. The plant is robust with a well-developed leaf apparatus, which promotes high fruit-setting ability and resistance to unfavorable conditions, diseases, and pests. Columbia F1 is adapted for open-field cultivation and is distinguished by high yield, allowing to obtain up to two fruits per bush, each weighing from 7 to 12 kg.
Watermelon fruits have an oval shape with a sturdy skin of medium thickness and a characteristic tiger stripe pattern. The flesh is rich coral-red, juicy, crisp, and very sweet, with a high sugar content. Seeds are small, dark, neatly arranged, and easily removed from the flesh, making the fruit particularly attractive to consumers. Due to its qualities, Columbia F1 watermelon has excellent transportability and is suitable for export supplies.
The maturation period of this variety is 70-75 days, which allows for a harvest in mid-early terms. The recommended planting density is 6-8 thousand plants per hectare, which ensures maximum productivity. High adaptability to stress conditions and disease resistance make Columbia F1 a reliable choice for growers seeking to obtain a quality and marketable watermelon crop.
