Aikido melon belongs to a hybrid variety of the first generation selection, which is confirmed by the presence of the “F1” mark on the package of seeds. The plant is one of the few crops that can show good yields and ripen without a hot climate. The variety is able to survive and tolerate sudden temperature changes, so it has gained popularity and is successfully grown in Russian regions.
The variety is considered one of the best for growing in areas with a temperate continental climate. Aikido melon f1 has the following advantages:
- resistance to the most destructive melon diseases such as powdery mildew and fusarium;
- low maintenance;
- good taste;
- precocity;
- stress resistance;
- good yield indicators.
On average, fruiting time occurs after 70 days from the emergence of seedlings. The fruit does not have a large weight, and the average weight of one melon reaches 2 kg. Ripe fruits are shaped like a ball and have a bright yellow peel with a dense structure. The presence of extraordinary sweetness and aroma in the fruit is confirmed by numerous reviews from gardeners. The pulp contains from 10 to 13% sugar.
How to care for seedlings?
Cultivation is carried out in seedlings by sowing seeds, which depends on the climatic characteristics of a particular region. The latter method is only permissible in southern regions with hot weather. Sowing into the ground is carried out when the soil temperature reaches 20 ⁰C.
For Russian regions, it is recommended to plant seeds in the ground and then replant them in greenhouse structures.
The time for working with planting material is determined in such a way that the seedlings are planted in a permanent place a month after the sprouts appear. When planting in peat containers, the seedlings will not need to be replanted in the future, which significantly reduces the risk of damage to the plant during replanting and improves its survival rate when planted in a permanent place.
To increase the immune qualities of seedlings, it is recommended to first harden the seeds. Such actions contribute to the better health of the plant when low temperatures occur. It is recommended to soak large seeds for 12 hours in warm water before planting. This simple action improves the germination quality of planting material, allowing you to reject unsuitable and defective seeds.
If some of them float, this indicates that the seeds are unsuitable for growing seedlings and must be thrown away. In order to harden the future plant, after the soaking procedure, the seed material is cooled to a temperature of 1–3 ⁰C.
It is recommended to plant in pots made of peat material. Soil for planting can be purchased at specialized stores or prepared independently. In the latter case, the earth is mixed with ash, humus, and peat. The planting depth should not exceed 1 cm. Fertilizing with humus and ash can improve the properties of germination and further growth. The growth of seedlings is carried out at a temperature of 20–25 ⁰С.
Until the first sprout appears, the container is covered with film. Watering is carried out once every 7 days. Work must be carried out carefully, since the likelihood of damage to the root system is very high. As the shoot grows, light hilling can be done without exposing the roots.
Features of planting in the ground
Melon is grown both in open ground and in greenhouse structures. In the first case, it is necessary to choose open sunny areas, since the plant loves sunlight and well-lit places. Planting in permanent soil is carried out from mid-May to the first days of June after the onset of stable heat.
The following planting pattern is recommended:
- distance between rows - 3 m;
- the gap between seeds is 15 cm.
Ash and humus are preliminarily placed in the deepening area. Today, cultivation is practiced horizontally and vertically.In the first case, the shoots spread along the ground and after the first fruits set, plywood or cardboard is placed under them to prevent contact with the ground, otherwise the melons may begin to rot.
With the vertical growing method, climbing shoots are tied to a trellis or provided with support in the form of vertical wooden poles. Good support is provided by tying it to horizontally installed and fixed wooden slats. With this method, the distance between bushes can be less than 3 meters. If desired, in the first stages of plant growth, you can always change the growing method by raising the shoots from a horizontal to a vertical position.
At the planting site, the soil must be slightly compacted and watered with water at room temperature. In the first weeks, periodic watering of the soil is required, avoiding excessive drying of the soil.
When the first flowers appear on climbing bushes, it is necessary to provide access to them for flying insects for pollination. When growing under a film, it is periodically opened; in greenhouse structures, the doors are kept open.
Features of care
Care consists of timely pruning of excess leaves to prevent bushes from becoming dense and timely watering. The plant has large spreading leaves, an excessive amount of which will interfere with the penetration of sunlight. If there is a large amount of green mass, the plant also lacks nutrients for fruit formation. A large number of large leaves prevents good ventilation of the shoots, which significantly increases the risk of plant disease.
After planting, if there is a threat of frost, it is recommended to provide the plant with protection in the form of a film cover. After the first 2 fruits appear on the shoot, the top is pinched off. This action is necessary to stop the growth of the bush in order to redirect the movement of nutrients from the stem to the leaves. The disadvantage of this variety is the quality of rapid ripening of melons, so it is recommended to harvest the fruits on time.
The time for removing the melon is determined quite easily; at this moment the fruit changes color from greenish to bright, rich yellow, and at the base the fruit becomes soft.
Watering is carried out twice a week. The plant does not tolerate excess moisture and can tolerate drought well. Every two weeks, fertilizing with mineral complexes is carried out. It is recommended to carry out work once every 12 days. Every two weeks it is necessary to hill up the bushes.
