Crimson Sweet Watermelon

Crimson Sweet watermelon seeds produce delicious melons with bright red flesh. Large size melons have sweet dense fruit that is juicy and thirst-quenching.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Melon is a warm season crop that does best when planted in warm soil in a full sun location. Melon plants will decline in productivity as the days get colder and shorter.
• In Zones 9 and 10, seeds can be started as early as April if they are protected from the cold. This may mean starting them in the protection of a greenhouse or indoors if your area still gets cold temperatures. By late April it is possible to plant directly into soils that are at least 60°F.

Growing Crimson Sweet Watermelon

• Melons need adequate spacing to be happy. Refer to specific spacing for the crop being planted.
• A granular organic fertilizer added to the planting area is a good idea if your garden has poor nutrient content or if you are growing in a new raised bed.
• Good moisture in the soil is needed. In Zones 9 and 10, this may mean watering by hand often or providing regular irrigation.
• DO NOT water overhead as this promotes foliar diseases. Be on the lookout for powdery mildew which is common in Zone 9 and 10 gardens. 

Growing Melon in Containers

• If planting in containers, make sure your container is at least 20″ deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture. Mulch heavily on the top layer of soil in the pot to keep the soil from drying out or heating up too much. One plant per container is usually all that can fit. Keep in mind, the most prolific melon crop will need multiple plants for good pollination.

Harvesting Crimson Sweet Watermelon

• Melons are best harvested at peak ripeness. This is typically when they have turned their appropriate color and when the small tendril next to the melon has shriveled.
• The BEST way to know when to pick your melons is to mark your calendar for the appropriate days to maturity and begin checking on those dates.

Pro-tips

• Mulch heavily around your plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or heat up too much.
• During our hottest months of August, September, and October, plants can suffer from the heat. Using shade cloth can help protect the plants from extreme heat.
• Do not overhead water.