Santa Vittoria Watermelon BIO (Citrullus lanatus)

Santa Vittoria Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus): an old variety from Emilia-Romagna, locally known as Fojasa, particularly well adapted to clay soils like those where it was selected, around Santa Vittoria and Novellara. The first records of this variety date back to the 18th century. It became very popular in the post-war period for its excellent flavour, before being gradually replaced by more productive varieties of lesser quality.

It is now included in the voluntary register of varieties with no intrinsic value, thanks to the work of the Istituto di Istruzione Superiore “A. Zanelli” of Reggio Emilia and the seed company Arcoiris.

The fruits weigh an average of 8 kg. The red flesh is sweet, crisp and particularly pleasant.

In the field, the plant is productive and hardy. We do not pinch out the growing tips, although doing so may help improve production.

Among watermelons, this is one of the varieties best suited to soils where this crop usually struggles. Of course, it also performs very well on sandy soils.

An old variety to preserve for future generations.