Barbara Pleasant open pollinated species watermelon squash
I like to grow open pollinated varieties, especially crops like winter squash and watermelon, which are harvested after the seeds are ripe. That way, I know what I'm getting when I let volunteers that sprout in the compost heap grow to maturity, and I spend less on seeds.
Another OP benefit is the surprise factor. Sometimes the plants are strictly uniform, but other times I get more diversity than I'd anticipated. This is exactly what's happened with this year's watermelon patch.
Of the 5 seedlings I started indoors and set out in June, one is showing a 'Moon and Stars' bloodline - a nice change of pace from its neighbors with solid green leaves and dark rinds.
