Bidwell

Very large, football-shaped fruit with deep ribs and a smooth rind. Fruit 15 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 15 pounds. Immature fruit are dark green and ripen to a golden orange color. Requires a long season to mature. Thick, orange flesh has exceptional flavor when fruit are grown in the right environment. Fruit are susceptible to fungal diseases which cause premature ripening and inferior flavor. Relatively low productivity. This melon originated in Chico, CA where it was developed by John Bidwell (1819-1900), a California State Senator and U.S. Representative who owned an extensive farm outside of Chico. Mr. Bidwell procured his original stock seed from the USDA in 1869. This accession was donated to SSE by Glenn Drowns (IA DR G). SSE Accession # 113285