Watermelon Ogonyok is famous for its taste and early ripening. For this, many summer residents love him. Consider the characteristics of this variety, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the nuances of growing and harvesting in different parts of Russia.
Variety of watermelon "Spark"
watermelon seeds grade "Spark"
watermelon "Spark" in the State Register of Selection Achievements presented 60 years
Origin of the variety
Watermelon Ogonyok was bred by crossing varieties Sugar and Asian hybrid. This was done in the Kharkov region (Ukraine) by the staff of the Institute for Vegetable and Melon Growing. The name of the variety was due to the orange-red color of the pulp, which resembles a light color.
It was assumed that this watermelon will be grown in the warm southern regions. However, the light was able to take root both in the Moscow region and in the Urals, and even showed himself well in Siberia. True, the cultivation of crops under the open sky in cold areas with harsh winters is very difficult, but in greenhouses it is quite real.
Characteristics Light
The light is distinguished by its early ripeness - the ripening period of the fetus is approximately 80-85 days. And the watermelon itself looks like a ball: the same round and smooth. The mass of the fetus usually reaches 2 kg (sometimes up to 2.5 kg), and its shell is quite thin, dark green in color. The watermelon pulp is juicy and sweet, but with a large content of small dark brown seeds.
Watermelon Spark can grow both in open soil and in greenhouse conditions. Like all melons, he loves heat, but is able to withstand low temperatures for a short time. In central Russia, this watermelon manages to ripen before the onset of the first cold weather. Its productivity is up to 2.6 kg / sq. m
Features of growing in different regions
Since this watermelon has an extensive geography of growth, the climatic features of each region should be taken into account. For example, in the Moscow region, a light can ripen both in a greenhouse and in open land.
But in the Urals, you can not be sure of the ripening of the fruit if the season stands out as rainy and cold. Watermelons have time to ripen only during the hot summer. Therefore, in this region it is advisable to grow this melon crop in closed conditions (greenhouse).
In Siberia, grow these watermelons only in a greenhouse. The climate of the region will not allow the thermophilic culture to develop normally in the open. In the south, there are no problems with growing Spark.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Analyzing the characteristics of the Ogonyok cultivar, one can distinguish such advantages:
- early fruit ripening;
- ability to adapt to different climatic conditions, including a sharp change in temperature;
- resistance to anthracnose and fusarium wilt;
- the ability to withstand the lack of fertilizing and watering for a long time.
As for the shortcomings, they are:
- unsuitable for long transportation, as the variety has a very thin peel;
- short shelf life - only 7-10 days.
Growing seedlings
In most cases, the watermelons Spark sow seedlings. To create seedlings, choose healthy seeds without any damage. The seeds that are already 2-3 years old are best grown. Fresh seeds will turn into developed and strong plants, but they will not have many fruits.
How to grow seedlings:
- treat the seeds with a 1% solution of potassium permanganate and leave them to be disinfected for an hour, then rinse;
- soak the seeds in a damp cloth in the heat until sprouts appear;
- prepare the soil for planting - mix humus, peat and sand in equal proportions;
- take containers for planting seedlings with a volume of at least 0.6 l and plant the seeds there to a depth of 4 cm;
- keep containers with seedlings at a temperature of about 25-28 degrees during the day, and at least 14 degrees at night;
- water the plants with warm water, trying to avoid overflows;
- feed the sprouts with mineral fertilizers 10 days after germination and after the same time do it again.
Keep seedlings in a sunny, warm place. The window sill of the window located on the south side of the house is excellent for these purposes. When sprouts appear, it is important that the plants get a lot of light, otherwise the seedlings will stretch.
Since watermelons do not like to be transplanted, grow seedlings in separate pots and without picking. About 7 days before planting in open ground - harden the seeds at a temperature of 0 degrees (you can use a refrigerator for this purpose).
Rules for planting a watermelon
To get a good harvest of watermelons, you need to follow certain rules for planting it. Let's look at the difference between growing gourds in the open air and planting in closed conditions.
In the greenhouse
The easiest way to grow watermelons in a greenhouse. It is indoors that you can create all the necessary conditions for the proper development of the fruit. If seeds, not seeds, are planted, then they are allowed to be transferred to the greenhouse as early as April.
If seedlings are transferred, then the beginning of May is considered the optimal time for planting. The distance between the bushes should be 70 cm and the same between the rows. In a greenhouse, you can reduce the area of melon growing by gartering plants on a trellis.
In the open ground
Plant seedlings under the open sky in late May - early June. Sprouts should be 30 days old by this time. The soil should be well warmed up in any case, otherwise the roots of the gourds will not be able to grow and develop normally. The soil needs a light, neutral or slightly alkaline consistency, without the formation of moisture stagnation.
The landing site should be flat and sunny, with a large area. This is necessary, since gourds occupy quite a lot of space. Do not plant watermelons where other pumpkin or solanaceous crops have grown before them in the last 3 years.
Growing Features:
- the distance between the bushes should be 0.8-1 m, and between the rows - 1.4-1.5 m;
- add 2 handfuls of humus to the prepared holes and a pinch of fertilizer with minerals;
- then pour 2 liters of warm water and plant seedlings, deepening it only to the bottom leaves.
Watermelon is a heat-loving culture, so if there is a threat of lowering the temperature below 15 degrees Celsius, cover the seedlings with a film or any non-woven material. This is especially important if the sprouts did not pass the hardening stage.
Seed sowing
How to plant watermelon seeds Spark:
- start planting seeds in open soil in mid-April - early May;
- the ground should already be well warmed up;
- dig holes for seeds (distances, as when planting seedlings) and fill them with water;
- loosen the ground and at a small distance from each other put 2-3 grains in the hole;
- sprinkle them with earth.
Care Basics
To collect a good crop of watermelons will help proper care of melons. It is necessary to water them in time, to remove weeds, to loosen the earth and to feed them with the necessary fertilizers. You also need to be able to correctly form them.
Watering
Water the watermelons. Spark only with settled, warm water. Especially he needs moisture during flowering and the appearance of ovaries. In greenhouses, irrigate as the soil dries, and in the open air, depending on the precipitation and air temperature. If it rains frequently, then you do not need to water the plant.
Top dressing
You need to feed the watermelon Twinkle three times:
- 10 days after planting - Add 30 g of ammonium sulfate, 45 g of superphosphate and 15 g of potassium salt (dilute this composition in a bucket of warm water);
- during growth and formation of ovaries - 10 g of superphosphate, 20 g of ammonium sulfate and 35 g of potassium salt;
- 10 days after 2 feeding - make a similar composition again.
Formation
To get a crop in the northern regions, the watermelon Ogonyok must be properly formed and monitor the load of fruits. Otherwise, watermelons do not have time to ripen normally. It is most convenient to grow them on a grid or trellis.
How to properly form watermelons:
- since the fruits of Ogonyok are tied only on the main stem - pluck off all the lateral ones once a week (they are not needed);
- leave no more than 2-3 fruits on one stem after their ovary, otherwise the watermelons will be too small;
- pinch the top during the growth of the fruit, since its growth is no longer needed.
After the formation of watermelons, lay the fruits in the nets so that the lash does not break off. In this state, watermelons do not have contact with the ground and do not rot. If there is a lot of space on the site, leave long stalks curling along the ground.
Diseases and Pests
Watermelon Spark is most often affected by powdery mildew, angular or olive blotch, anthracnose. Cucumber mosaic or root rot may also appear. Fight fungal infections with fungicides, such as Bordeaux liquid or Fundazole.
As for pests, aphids, scoops and wireworms are dangerous for gourds. Destroy them with insecticides (for example, Decis). Timely weed removal, periodic loosening of the soil, and crop rotation are also helpful.
Definition of ripeness
Watermelons of the Ogonyok variety are sung at about the same time and the degree of their maturity can be determined by such characteristics:
- pronounced dark green color of watermelon with a wax coating;
- hard crust and dry stalk;
- a bright spot on the side when the watermelon ripens on the ground;
- audibility of loud sound when tapped.
When to harvest?
Harvest time depends on the region of cultivation:
- Moscow region - July (by the way, in the greenhouse, watermelons ripen 2 weeks earlier).
- Ural - august.
- Siberia - before the first September frosts.
Tips from experienced gardeners
Sometimes it happens that even with all the rules, watermelons do not grow as they would like or give a smaller crop. This may be due to ignorance of any nuances or tricks that experienced gardeners know.
So, tips of experienced:
- grow watermelons from seedlings, and not from seeds - the fruits in this case will be larger;
- make sure that the fruits do not interfere with each other, that is, plant melon on a large area;
- systematically loosen the soil for air to penetrate into the ground - do it the same after 30-40 minutes after watering;
- flip the watermelons as they ripen, so that the fruits sing evenly and if you do not want them to rot or be attacked by ants and other insects;
- do not overexpose the crop on the beds - A spark can very easily over-rip;
- protect the melon from birds that can hatch the fruit;
- regularly remove all weeds;
- for faster pollination of the plant with bees, spray the melon with honey or sugar solution.
Some gardeners advise mulching the soil under watermelons. This makes it possible to retain moisture, various nutrients and protect the fruits from decay on moist soil.
Reviews of watermelon varieties Ogonyok
Mikhail, 48 years old, driver, Balashikha. Planted a sort of Twinkle in the country to pamper yourself and relatives with watermelons. I can say that I am satisfied. The fruits are small, but tasty and ripen early. The main thing is not to overexpose them in the garden, otherwise you have to eat ripe watermelons.
Irina, 39 years old, seller, Belovo. In our climate, you can grow watermelons only in greenhouses. So I do. The spark is quite unpretentious and quite easy to care for. I plant a little, but this amount is enough to enjoy yummy for me and my family.
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Variety Ogonyok is loved by many gardeners for their unpretentiousness in care, resistance to adverse conditions and a pleasant taste. Follow the recommendations of experienced melon growers and follow the rules for growing crops. In this case, a good harvest will not take long.