WATERMELON 
Culture. Watermelons may be grown on nearly all 
kinds of Florida soils that have good drainage, but 
rolling, sandy pine land is preferred. In general, new 
land is best for this crop in order to avoid diseases. The 
field should be checked off, planting in hills 8 feet 
apart each way or 7 by 9 feet. Seed should be planted 
¥2 to 1 inch deep, and plants thinned to 2 or 3 plants 
per hill when they are still small and when all danger 
of frost is past, later thinning to 1 plant per hill for best 
results. The most successful growers apply 600 to 800 
Ibs. of fertilizer mixture about a week before planting 
the seed. A second application of 400 to 600 lbs. of fer- 
tilizer or top dressing may be made if necessary when 
the vines begin to run. The first planting of water- 
melons for an early crop in Florida should be made 
about January 1st and successive plantings may be 
made up to about the middle of February in central 
and south Florida. Plantings in north Florida are made 
2 or 3 weeks later. For earlier melons use Hotkaps. 
(See page 75). 
The leaf, stem and fruit disease of watermelons, 
anthracnose as well as gummy stem blight, the spores 
of which diseases are frequently present on melon 
seed, are killed by treating the seed with Spergon Seed 
Protectant. (See pages 52 and 62.) If for disease and 
insect control see page 56. 
For pollination of watermelons, see second paragraph 
under cucumber culture—page 16. 
All our melon seed is now treated with Spergon to 
control seed-borne diseases and to give better stands, 
especially if planted early in cold ground. 
The number of days after each variety indicates the 
time from seed planting to ripe fruit. 
All prices quoted are postpaid. 
Write for special prices on larger quantities. 
FAIRFAX (New). (92 days.) This new variety was de- 
veloped by the U.S.D.A. Vegetable Breeding Laboratory 
at Charleston, S. C. It has the general appearance, 
shape and color of Garrison but is distinguishable by a 
darker green stripe on the light green base. Also it has 
a hard rind in contrast to the soft rind of Garrison, thus 
making it a good shipping melon, but the flesh texture 
and edible quality (sugar content) do not compare with 
Garrison. It produces a melon up to 50 pounds, but will 
have an average weight of 30-35 pounds. Relatively 
resistant to hollow-heart and develops less “gourdneck” 
and blossom end rot than most long melons. Fairfax 
is resistant to both Fusarium Wilt and anthracnose. 
The vines are vigorous and hardy and show consider- 
able capacity to withstand adverse weather. 
Pkt. 10c:; oz. 20c: % lb. 60c; 1 lb. $2.00 
5 to 25 lbs. $1.90 per lb. 
The Congo (U.S.D.A. 46-40) (Anthracnose-Resistant) Watermelon 
Plant 1 pound of seed per acre. , 
In the garden plant 1 packet to 75 feet of row for a family 
of 3 to 4 people. 
If interested particularly in watermelon production write the 
Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, Mailing Department, 
Gainesville, Florida for a free copy of Circular 96, Revision A, 
entitled ‘‘“Watermelon Production Guide.’ Similarly, if inter- 
ested in production of any other vegetable crop, write the 
Experiment Station for a free copy of their production guide 
on that crop, being sure to indicate the crop on which you desire 
guidance. 
CONGO—FLORIDA STATE CERTIFIED — (Anthrac- 
nose Resistant). (90 days.) This State Certified strain 
of Congo comes from fields inspected and certified for 
trueness to type and freedom of mixture by the Florida 
State Department of Agriculture. THIS CERTIFIED 
SEED IS SOLD ONLY IN 1 LB. SEALED BAGS with 
the official Florida State Department of Agriculture 
certification tag attached to each sealed bag. 
1 lb. $2.25; 5 to 25 lbs. $2.15 per Ib. 
CONGO (U.S.D.A. 46-40) (Anthracnose Resistant). (90 
days.) This outstanding disease-resistant variety was 
developed and introduced by the U.S.D.A. Southeastern 
Vegetable Breeding Laboratory, Charleston, S. C. It 
is resistant to both Fusarium Wilt and Anthracnose 
diseases. The vines remain green longer than other 
varieties to protect the melons from sun burning. In 
order to be sure Congo retains its resistance to anthrac- 
nose, it is very important to get seed produced in Flor- 
ida where anthracnose is prevalent every year. It is 
of exceptional importance not only because of its an- 
thracnose-resistance, but also because of its exceedingly 
hard, tough rind which resists breakage and bruising 
in transit. In addition to these two good qualities, it 
possesses many other desirable features. It is a heavy 
yielder of large size melons, under good growing con- 
ditions ranging from 32 to 40 pounds. Similar in size 
and shape to Garrison but having a darker green rind 
with darker green stripes. It is free of the tendency to 
produce gourd necks. Flesh of attractive bright red 
color, of excellent quality and flavor, ripening well out 
to the rind, with small white 
seeds having light tan smears, 
and very attractive interior ap- 
pearance. This variety does 
not need a heavy fertilization 
as other varieties, and little, if 
any, side dressing with soda or 
nitrogen fertilizer should be 
used because heavy nitrogen 
may cause hollow heart or 
separation of the flesh. Melons 
of this variety should be har- 
vested just before full matur- 
ity to avoid hollow hearts. This 
is one of the best varieties of 
watermelon for shipment yet 
introduced, and it has a big 
future. 
Pkt. 10c; oz. 20c; % Ib. 50c: 
1 lb. $1.75 
5 to 25 lbs. $1.65 per Ib. 
NSTEIEUT OR. 
For best results use Kilgore’s “Bred-Rite” Seeds 
