Watermelon Early Gitana F1 — an ultra-early hybrid of Crimson Sweet type, developed by the United Genetics company from the USA. The vegetative period is 55-65 days from transplanting seedlings, allowing for an early harvest. The plant exhibits strong growth vigor, medium-sized stems, and excellent covering ability. It is resistant to common diseases, including fusarium, as well as to stress conditions such as short-term cold spells and drought, without dropping fruit set. The plant forms 3-4 fruits, evenly sized, which simplifies harvesting.
The watermelon fruits have an oval-rounded shape with dark green stripes and weigh approximately 5.5-6 kg. The fruit walls are of medium thickness, providing reliable protection for the core from damage. The flesh is a vibrant bright pink or red color, uniform, juicy, and crunchy. It features high sugar content — over 11.5% — which gives the watermelon a pronounced sweetness and dessert-like flavor. The seeds are small, with brown and translucent hues.
The hybrid is characterized by high productivity and concentrated fruit ripening, with the harvest maintaining quality in field conditions for some time. The fruits withstand long-distance transportation well and can be stored for several weeks without loss of flavor. Early Gitana F1 is suitable for cultivation both in open ground and in greenhouses, making it a versatile choice for obtaining early, high-quality produce for fresh markets.
