What hardiness zones is Citrullus lanatus 'Crimson Sweet' suitable for?

Citrullus lanatus 'Crimson Sweet' is an annual vine reaching 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall with a spread of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) and a trailing, vining habit with tendrils. Developed by C.V. Hall at Kansas State University in 1963, it produces oval to round fruits 20-25 pounds (9-11 kg) with light green rind and distinctive dark green striping and deep red, crisp, sweet flesh with a high sugar content (Brix 10-12). Seeds are small, dark brown to black. Days to maturity 80-90 from transplant. Growth rate is fast once established. The standard open-pollinated full-size watermelon for home gardens—widely adapted across North America. Fusarium wilt resistant. Requires substantial garden space—vines spread 6-10 feet.

Native Range

Citrullus lanatus is native to tropical and subtropical Africa—specifically the Kalahari Desert region. 'Crimson Sweet' was developed at Kansas State University in 1963 by C.V. Hall.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens with ample space for culinary use—fresh eating, pickling rind, juice. Standard full-size striped watermelon. 20-25 lb. Deep red sweet flesh Brix 10-12. Fusarium wilt resistant. KSU 1963. Open-pollinated. Requires 6-10 ft vine spread. Not suitable for small gardens or containers. 80-90 days—requires long warm season.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Sugar Baby' by the larger size (20-25 versus 6-12 lb), the oval (versus round) shape, the striped (versus solid dark green) rind, and the longer maturity (80-90 versus 70-80 days). Distinguished from 'Yellow Doll' by the red (versus yellow) flesh. Crimson Sweet—standard full-size striped, deep red, Fusarium resistant, KSU 1963, open-pollinated.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread6' - 10'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Summer

Small yellow flowers—male flowers appear first, followed by female flowers with a miniature fruit at the base. Pollination by bees is essential—each female flower requires multiple bee visits. Flowers open for one day only.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow; small; male and female separate; bee-pollinated

Foliage Description

Dark green; deeply lobed; on long trailing vines with tendrils

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

80-90 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Start seed indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after soil is warm (70°F / 21°C). Full sun, well-drained, sandy loam (pH 6.0-7.0). Hills or mounds for drainage. Heavy feeder—side-dress when vines begin to run. Consistent moisture until fruit set, then reduce to concentrate sugars. Days to maturity 80-90 from transplant. Ripe when belly spot turns from white to creamy yellow and tendrils near fruit dry. Requires 6-10 feet of vine spread.