Rare Pony Red F1 Watermelon Seeds | High BRIX Sweet Japanese Red Mini Watermelon Citrullus lanatus "Pony Red" This listing is for one packet containing a minimum of 10 seeds. These seeds are quite rare. In my experience, this is one of the most productive watermelon varieties I have ever grown with a high BRIX rating (high sugar content). Pony Red Hybrid Mini Watermelon produces beautiful, classic deep red flesh with a crisp, juicy texture and wonderfully sweet flavor. The small, personal-sized melons average around 3 pounds, making them perfect for slicing in half and enjoying straight from the garden. Pony Red is known for excellent productivity and reliable fruit set, making it a great option for gardeners who want plenty of smaller melons rather than just a few large fruits. Expect harvests in about 80–100 days, and for best results, grow in full sun with well-draining soil, consistent watering, and plenty of space for vines to spread or climb. Ideal Growing Conditions Sun: Full sun Water: Let the soil dry out a little bit in-between watering Fertilizer: Consistent applications of fertilizer is important to promote lots of new, healthy, green growth to outpace the diseases and pests. Amend the soil with some organic granular fertilizer like Espoma Garden-Tone before direct sowing the seeds. Or sprinkle some into the planting hole if using transplants. Apply 1/4 cup of this fertilizer every 10-14 days to keep the nutrient supply consistent. I don't recommend using a synthetic fertilizer when fertilizing this frequently. When & How To Sow Seeds: Direct sowing is preferred after your last spring frost date. In warmer climates can also direct sow at end of summer for a fall harvest. Sow 2-3 seeds in a mound, 1/2 inch deep, spaced 2FT apart, in rows spaced 3FT apart. Can also sow seeds indoors in 4 inch pots, filled with seed starting mix, 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date to get an early start. Germination: 7-14 days Days To Maturity: 90 days after direct sowing the seed How & When To Harvest: Watermelon is ready to harvest when the underside resting on the ground turns from white to a creamy yellow, the rind looks dull rather than shiny, and the curly tendril closest to the fruit has dried up and turned brown. The melon should feel heavy for its size and sound hollow when tapped. To harvest, use clean garden shears or a sharp knife to cut the stem, leaving about 1–2 inches attached to the fruit. Avoid twisting or pulling the melon off the vine, as this can damage both the fruit and the plant. Common Diseases: Watermelons get a lot of leaf diseases caused by pathogens like molds, fungus spores, bacteria etc... Spray with 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water to clean and disinfect. Repeat every 5 days or so as a preventative, or until you notice the spread of the disease has stopped. Common Pests: Critters like rabbits love to munch on newly germinated seedlings, so protection from small animals might be required. If you notice the leaves are chewed up and there are small black, green, or orange balls, worms/caterpillars are chewing up the plants. Spray with BT or spinosad to treat for the worms. Do I have a YouTube video tutorial on how to grow this? Not yet Additional Tips/Information: N/A