Monday, April 7, 2025
On Thursday, April 3rd, planting of small yellow watermelons called "Sunflower Watermelons" began at the farm of Takada Co., Ltd. (CEO Takada Shunki)!
Sunwatermelon planting has begun!
Pickled in water
Before planting, the roots of the seedlings are soaked in water (water to which a chemical diluted several times has been added) to ensure that the roots and leaves are sufficiently moistened, a process known as "dobu-zuke."
Transporting and setting up seedlings
Planting
Inside the 100m greenhouse, planting holes are made in the mulch at 1m intervals, and the seedlings are carefully planted in the holes without disturbing the root balls, and then covered firmly with soil.
Fertilizer spreading work
In another greenhouse, fertilizer is being spread on the soil inside the greenhouse and it is being tilled, and preparations for the next planting are steadily underway.
A talk by Akimitsu Takada
"This year, three training farm greenhouses (50m greenhouses) have been added to the nine 100m greenhouses. Each 100m greenhouse will have about 200 sunflower watermelon seedlings. Each seedling will produce about 10 fruits, so we expect to harvest a total of about 20,000 sunflower watermelons.
After planting, unnecessary buds and branches are removed and pruned to ensure good fruit.
When there are many fruits, the nutrients are dispersed, so the stems that need more nutrients are left and the focus is on growing healthy fruits. This pruning work is important as it has a big impact on the yield.
When the bulbs appear one month after planting, a fruit setting stick is set up to check the number of bulbs.
Normally, the crop can be harvested two months after planting, but due to the low and cold temperatures this year, there is likely to be a delay of about one week in the shipping date.
"If all goes well, we should be able to harvest around June 10th this year," Akimitsu Takada explained politely.
At the Hokuryu Sunflower and Watermelon Producers Association, seven farmers are planting approximately 300 ares this year, with shipments scheduled for early June through mid-September.
A large gathering of happy friends
A group of "fun friends" came together at the command of Akimitsu Takada.
The planting work is carried out carefully, seriously, and with enjoyment.
In a greenhouse filled with the bright smiles and fun conversations of these delightful friends, the sunflower watermelon seedlings are growing brightly, healthily, and vigorously!!!
I hope it grows big and healthy and becomes a delicious, delicious watermelon!!!
The Hokuryu Sunflower Watermelon is a superb small yellow watermelon with a crisp texture, refreshing sweetness, and a sparkling, clear lemon yellow light. It is made with boundless love, gratitude, and prayers.
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◇ Photography, editing, and website management: Noboru Terauchi Writer: Ikuko Terauchi
