Watermelon – ‘Picnic – Crimson Sweet’

Growing Temp 70°F – 95°F
Days to Maturity 85-95 days

Ease of Cultivation and Culinary Use: The ‘Crimson Sweet’ watermelon is a popular picnic variety known for its large size and incredibly sweet, juicy flesh. It can weigh up to 25 pounds, making it ideal for family gatherings. This variety is relatively easy to grow if you have ample space for its vines to spread. It thrives in hot weather and full sunlight. ‘Crimson Sweet’ is perfect for slicing and eating fresh during the summer months, making it a refreshing treat for warm days.

Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost and when soil temperatures are consistently above 70°F. Plant the seeds 1 inch deep, with hills spaced 6 feet apart to give the vigorous vines plenty of room to grow. Thin seedlings to the strongest plant per hill once they are a few inches tall. Water consistently but avoid waterlogging, as melons prefer well-drained soil. Keep the vines healthy with regular watering and full sun exposure for optimal fruit development.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: To get an early start, sow seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date. Use biodegradable pots to reduce transplant shock. Keep the indoor temperature around 75-85°F for optimal germination. When the seedlings are 2-3 inches tall and the soil temperature outside is above 70°F, transplant them into the garden, spacing them 6 feet apart in rows. Water thoroughly after transplanting and use mulch to conserve moisture.

Harvesting: ‘Crimson Sweet’ watermelons are ready for harvest when they reach full size, usually between 20-25 pounds. A telltale sign of ripeness is when the tendril closest to the fruit dries up and turns brown. The skin should also change to a duller shade of green, and the underside of the melon (the spot touching the ground) will turn a creamy yellow. Tap the melon; a hollow sound suggests ripeness. Cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a small part of the stem attached.