Stetson F1 — ultra-early hybrid watermelon type 'Crimson Sweet', distinguished by its short growing period of only 55-60 days. This variety is designed for early harvest during spring-summer and is suitable for cultivation both in open ground and under plastic cover, including greenhouses and tunnels. The plant is warm-loving, does not tolerate frost, requires abundant sunlight and prefers short daylight hours for optimal growth and high productivity.
The fruits of Stetson F1 are large, round, weighing 8-10 kg, with dark green medium-thickness rind adorned with light stripes. The flesh is bright red, juicy, crisp, and very sweet, without veins, giving the melon an elegant texture and rich flavor. The seeds are small, dark brown. The plant's leafy apparatus is well-developed and effectively protects the fruits from sunburn, contributing to the preservation of harvest quality.
The hybrid exhibits high growth intensity, heat and drought resistance, as well as resilience and disease resistance. It is suitable for professional cultivation and provides concentrated harvest with good transportability. For planting, seeds are sown into warmed soil to a depth of about 10 cm, with spacing between plants of 50-70 cm. Plants require regular and abundant watering, especially during active growth, followed by cessation of watering during fruit ripening. Fertilizers are applied after the appearance of the third leaf and during vine and fruit formation, promoting the development of high-quality and abundant yield.
