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Enjoy a cool, refreshing slice of summer by growing the renowned Crimson Sweet watermelon. This classic variety delivers large, pink‑fleshed melons that shine on any backyard gathering.
With a maturity period of roughly 85–90 days, success hinges on timing, proper watering, disease vigilance, and knowing the perfect moment to harvest. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a beginner, this guide delivers actionable, authoritative advice for a bountiful crop.
Crimson Sweet is one of the United States’ most widely cultivated watermelon varieties. Originating from the 1963 breeding program of Charlie Hall at the University of Arkansas, it earned the All‑American Selections award the following year.
Key traits include:
Two proven methods:
Ensure the soil is warm (≥70 °F/21 °C) before planting outdoors, and use a heat‑retaining row cover during the first week to protect seedlings.
Full sun is essential: at least eight hours of direct light daily, preferably with afternoon shade to mitigate heat stress.
Crimson Sweet needs 1–2 inches of water per week during the growing season. Monitor the top 2 in of soil; irrigate when dry. Reduce watering in the final two weeks before harvest to prevent splitting and concentrate sugars.
Drip irrigation or a soaker hose is ideal—keeps foliage dry and reduces foliar disease risk.
Plant in well‑draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. Aim for a pH of 5.8–6.8. Incorporate 2–3 in of compost before sowing.
Plant after nighttime temperatures consistently exceed 50 °F (10 °C). Avoid high humidity to minimize fungal disease pressure.
Before planting, add a balanced compost or a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium to promote root and fruit development. During the growing season, a side‑dressing of nitrogen can support vigorous vine growth.
Mulch with straw or wood chips to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry. While the vines can climb trellises, the heavy fruit often detaches, so many growers prefer to let the plants grow naturally on the ground.
Crimson Sweet ripens 90 days post‑planting. Check for these cues:
Store harvested melons in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration extends shelf life for up to one week.
Appears as a white powder on older leaves. Prevent by avoiding overhead watering, ensuring good airflow, and applying neem oil or a copper fungicide if early signs emerge.
Shows as yellow spots that darken. Reduce humidity by spacing plants and avoiding wet foliage; treat with neem oil or copper fungicide when needed.
Brown, bullseye‑shaped lesions develop in warm, humid conditions. Practice crop rotation, remove debris, and apply copper fungicide or biofungicide to control spread.
Small yellow/black beetles chew holes in leaves and spread bacterial wilt. Protect with row covers; remove beetles by hosing or treat with neem oil, spinosad, or insecticidal soap.
