Garrison

Large, very elongate fruit, variable in size. Light green rind with dark green stripes running the entire length of the fruit. Superficial longitudinal grooves. Fruit measure 1-2' long and 6-12" in diameter and weigh 9-25 lbs. Red, slightly grainy flesh. Fruit was not very sweet in 2012 drought year at Heritage Farm, but was very sweet when grown in 2011. White seeded. Late maturing. Given to SSE by Tom Hoover (SC HO T). He acquired it from Mr. Leslie Blackmon. The variety was originally from Cap'n Rhodes "The Watermelon King" of the Swift Creek community near Hartsville, SC. SSE Accession # 127996