Growing watermelons is no easy task – it’s a highly technical process requiring precision and expertise. In this feature, we spotlight Johan Roos of Manchester Farming near Clanwilliam, Western Cape, showcasing his success with Sakata’s newest variety, Sierra Nevada F1 Hybrid.
Sierra Nevada is a triploid watermelon with an attractive dark Crimson Sweet rind pattern. It offers exceptional yield potential, extended shipping and field-holding capacity, and very firm flesh – making it ideal for the fresh-cut market. The variety also boasts high resistance to Fusarium races 0 and 1, providing added reliability in the field.
Johan’s crop was grafted onto Sakata’s RS841* rootstock and pollinated with the Sensei F1 Hybrid watermelon, a combination that resulted in strong plants and top-tier fruit quality. His results highlight Sierra Nevada’s ability to deliver excellent yields and consistent, market-ready produce.
Want to learn more about Sierra Nevada F1 Hybrid? Click here for detailed technical information.