What hardiness zones is Citrullus lanatus 'Yellow Doll' suitable for?

Citrullus lanatus 'Yellow Doll' is an annual vine reaching 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) tall with a spread of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) and a trailing, vining habit with semi-compact vines. A Japanese hybrid watermelon (Sakata Seed Company), it produces round to oval, icebox-type fruits 5-8 pounds (2.3-3.6 kg) with a thin, light green rind with darker green striping and bright yellow, sweet, crisp flesh—one of the earliest yellow-fleshed watermelons. Days to maturity 65-75 from transplant—among the earliest of all watermelons. Growth rate is fast. Semi-compact vines more manageable than full-size types. The yellow flesh has a honey-sweet flavor, slightly different from the standard watermelon taste of red-fleshed types. Thin rind—handle carefully.

Native Range

Citrullus lanatus is native to tropical Africa. 'Yellow Doll' was bred by Sakata Seed Company, Japan.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—fresh eating, fruit salads (yellow/red contrast with red-fleshed types). Bright yellow flesh. Earliest watermelon 65-75 days. Honey-sweet flavor. Sakata Japan. Icebox 5-8 lb. Semi-compact vines. Thin rind—short shelf life, use promptly after harvest. Not suitable for long storage or transport.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Sugar Baby' and 'Crimson Sweet' by the bright yellow (versus deep red) flesh. Distinguished from 'Sugar Baby' by the light green striped (versus solid dark green) rind. Smaller than 'Sugar Baby' (5-8 versus 6-12 lb). Yellow Doll—yellow flesh, earliest watermelon 65-75 days, Sakata Japan, honey-sweet, thin rind, icebox size.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'3"

Width/Spread4' - 6'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Summer

Small yellow flowers—male first, then female. Bee pollination essential. Continuous flowering midsummer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

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

Foliage Description

Dark green; deeply lobed; on semi-compact trailing vines

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

65-75 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Start seed indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after soil warms to 70°F (21°C). Full sun, well-drained, sandy loam (pH 6.0-7.0). Hills or mounds. Heavy feeder. Days to maturity 65-75 from transplant—earliest watermelon. Semi-compact vines. Thin rind—harvest carefully and use promptly. Ripe when belly spot turns creamy yellow.