Rubin watermelon, also known as Crimson Ruby F1, is a mid-early hybrid developed by Japanese breeders from the Sakata company. The vegetative period ranges from 60 to 70 days, allowing for an early harvest. The plant is characterized by a strong and sturdy stem with abundant foliage, which promotes good fruit development. The hybrid is resistant to major diseases such as Fusarium wilt and anthracnose, significantly increasing its yield and reliability in various climatic conditions. Rubin watermelon fruits have an oval-round shape with dark green striped skin and a weight of 6 to 12 kg. The flesh is bright red, fine-grained, juicy, and very sweet, with a sugar content of about 12-13%. It features a tender and crisp texture without hollows or fibers, making the watermelon particularly tasty and aromatic. Thanks to the dense walls of the fruits, watermelons withstand transportation and long-term storage well, retaining their taste and commercial qualities. For growing Rubin watermelons, it is recommended to use beds 210-270 cm wide with the application of manure and mineral fertilizers such as superphosphate, ammonium nitrate, and potassium chloride. Sowing seeds is done in furrows on the sides or in the middle of the bed, observing optimal inter-row spacing to ensure good plant growth. The yield of the variety can reach up to 100 tons per hectare at a planting rate of 9-10 thousand plants per hectare. This watermelon is excellent for fresh consumption, fruit platters, and fresh juices, thanks to its high taste qualities and nutritional value.
