‘California Pie’, also known as ‘Texas Pie’ is an heirloom variety of citron watermelon. This is a melon generally used for preserving, or pickling. It does well in the U.S., better than some of the larger varieties. These small, round melons have thick walls and a mottled rind. The seeds are green. Texture is like a cucumber. Watermelons generally do best in warm climates. Cool weather will not produce good fruits, but some of the adversity of cool weather can be overcome by starting seeds early indoors, and transplanting them out at the height of summer. Plastic groundcovers are highly recommended to increase soil temperature in the spring, and rowcovers will help the crop ripen in the fall.
Google Plant Images: click here!
Where can you buy this plant: Did you try Plant Finder?
CharacteristicsCultivar: California Pie
Size: Height: 0 ft. to 0 ft.
Width: 0 ft. to 0 ft.
Plant Category: annuals and biennials, climbers,
Plant Characteristics: seed start,
Foliage Characteristics: medium leaves,
Tolerances: heat & humidity,
Bloomtime Range: not applicable
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9 to 11
AHS Heat Zone: Not defined for this plant
Light Range: Sun to Full Sun
pH Range: 5 to 6.5
Soil Range: Sandy Loam to Loam
Water Range: Normal to Normal
FertilizingHow-to : Fertilization for Young Plants
Young plants need extra phosphorus to encourage good root development. Look for a fertilizer that has phosphorus, P, in it(the second number on the bag.) Apply recommended amount for plant per label directions in the soil at time of planting or at least during the first growing season.
How-to : Fertilization for Annuals and Perennials
Annuals and perennials may be fertilized using: 1.water-soluble, quick release fertilizers; 2. temperature controlled slow-release fertilizers; or 3. organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion. Water soluble fertilizers are generally used every two weeks during the growing season or per label instructions. Controlled, slow-release fertilizers are worked into the soil ususally only once during the growing season or per label directions. For organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, follow label directions as they may vary per product.
LightConditions : Sun
Sun is defined as the continuous, direct, exposure to 6 hours (or more) of sunlight per day.
Conditions : Full Sun
Full Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day.
MiscellaneousGlossary : Annual
An annual is any plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season.
Glossary : pH
pH, means the potential of Hydrogen, is the measure of alkalinity or acidity. In horticulture, pH refers to the pH of soil. The scale measures from 0, most acid, to 14, most alkaline. Seven is neutral. Most plants prefer a range between 5.5 and about 6.7, an acid range, but there are plenty of other plants that like soil more alkaline, or above 7. A pH of 7 is where the plant can most easily absorb the most nutrients in the soil. Some plants prefer more or less of certain nutrients, and therefore do better at a certain pH.