85days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow when soil reaches 70°F or start indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Plant seeds 1 inch deep in hills.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-2 inches per week, deep watering preferred
Soil
Well-drained sandy loam with plenty of organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
4-6 feet
Height
4-8 inches
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Light green skin with dark green stripes, deep red flesh
Size
10"
Shape
Oval to oblong with uniform shape
Flavour
Exceptionally sweet and juicy with classic watermelon flavor and crisp texture

In the kitchen

Fresh eating, summer picnics, fruit salads, juice, grilling, pickled rinds

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Cucumber beetles, squash vine borers, aphids, thrips
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial fruit blotch, gummy stem blight
Resistance
Excellent resistance to anthracnose and fusarium wilt

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2May – JuneJulyJuly – AugustOctober – September
3MayJune – JulyJune – AugustSeptember – October
4April – MayJuneJune – JulySeptember – October
5AprilMay – JuneMay – JulySeptember – October
6AprilMay – JuneMay – JulyAugust – October
7March – AprilMayMay – JuneAugust – September
8MarchApril – MayApril – JuneJuly – September
9FebruaryMarch – AprilMarch – MayJune – August
10January – FebruaryMarchMarch – AprilJune – July
11JanuaryFebruaryFebruary – MarchMay – June
12JanuaryFebruaryFebruary – MarchMay – June
13JanuaryFebruaryFebruary – MarchMay – June

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

MarigoldsDeter nematodes and cucumber beetles with their strong scent
Bush BeansFix nitrogen in soil and don't compete for space with sprawling vines
CornProvides vertical structure and wind protection without root competition
CatnipRepels ants, aphids, and cucumber beetles while attracting beneficial insects
OreganoDeters pests and may enhance watermelon flavor through aromatic compounds
LettuceActs as living mulch, conserves soil moisture, and matures before watermelons spread
NasturtiumsTrap crop for cucumber beetles and squash bugs, repels aphids
RadishesBreak up compacted soil and deter cucumber beetles and squash vine borers

Avoid

FennelAllelopathic properties inhibit growth and development of watermelon plants
TomatoesBoth heavy feeders competing for nutrients, increased disease risk from shared pathogens
SunflowersAllelopathic compounds suppress watermelon growth and compete heavily for nutrients

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
30
Protein (g)
0.61
Fat (g)
0.15
Carbohydrate (g)
7.55
Fibre (g)
0.4
Sugars (g)
6.2
Vitamin A (µg)
28
Vitamin C (mg)
8.1
Vitamin E (mg)
0.05
Vitamin K (µg)
0.1
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.045
Folate (µg)
3
Calcium (mg)
7
Iron (mg)
0.24
Magnesium (mg)
10
Phosphorus (mg)
11
Potassium (mg)
112
Zinc (mg)
0.1
Selenium (µg)
0.4

Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the melons growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Crimson Sweet Watermelon?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other melons with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Crimson Sweet Watermelon suits these too.

Browse all 38 melons