Halbert Honey

Dark green, elongate fruit, 10-14" long, 5-7.5" wide, 5-12 lbs.; the 2013 HF watermelon plot had fertility problems and produced undersized fruit. Pink flesh, rind thickness 0.4-0.7". Seeds white with tan tip. Thin rind; moderately sweet; many seeds; good texture; juicy. Early maturity and highly productive when grown in 2013 at Heritage Farm. This accession matches the description of Halbert Honey listed in the W. Atlee Burpee catalogue from 1902. This variety was developed by Mr. H.A. Halbert of Texas and was introduced in 1902 by the W. Atlee Burpee seed company. During the early 20th century, many seed houses promoted it as one of the best varieties for the small home garden. Thirty years later in 1932, the Steckler Seed Co. of New Orleans, LA still called it "one of the best tasting melons on the market, a favorite." SSE acquired this variety in 2012 from the USDA (PI 635600) which obtained it in 1961 from Seed Research Specialists. SSE Accession # 131710