The Felipe F1 watermelon is a medium-maturing, large-fruited seedless hybrid developed by the Dutch breeding company Hazera. The ripening period is approximately 70-80 days from transplanting seedlings to the field. The plant exhibits strong growth vigor, sturdy stems, and abundant foliage. To form fruits, the presence of a hybrid pollinator is required, which promotes the formation of 1-2 large watermelons per plant. The hybrid tolerates high solar activity well but is sensitive to overwatering and drafts, while possessing strong immunity to several diseases.
The fruits of the Felipe watermelon have a round shape and an average weight of 7 to 10 kg, making them among the largest seedless watermelons. The rind is light green with dark stripes, medium thickness, and very firm structure, providing good fruit protection and enabling long-distance transportation. The flesh is dark red, dense, crisp, fiber- and vein-free, with a small amount of translucent soft seeds. The taste is characterized by high sugar content (11-12% sugar), juiciness, and a pronounced aroma.
The Felipe F1 watermelon is primarily grown during the spring-summer period and is intended for fresh market sales during the main season. Thanks to its dense rind and good storability, the fruits can be stored in a dark, cool place for 1-1.5 months. Additionally, the watermelon is suitable for pickling and processing, expanding its application possibilities. The recommended planting density is 6-8 thousand plants per hectare, with an additional 2 thousand pollinator plants for optimal fruiting.
