Watermelon, Citrullus lanatus, Watermelon Vine, Tsamma Melon, Egusi, Anguria, Melancia, Sandía, Wassermelone, Pastèque, Citrullus vulgaris, Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus, Citrullus lanatus var. citroides
Citrullus lanatus, commonly known as watermelon, is a beloved summer fruit that delights with its crisp, sweet flesh and hydrating qualities. From backyard picnics to gourmet salads, watermelon is more than a seasonal treat—it’s a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration. With its deep roots in African history and global popularity today, watermelon comes in a variety of types including red, yellow, orange, and even seedless.
Watermelon is a sprawling, vining annual plant in the Cucurbitaceae family, related to cantaloupe, zucchini, and cucumber. It produces large fruits called pepos, with hard, often striped rinds and juicy, sweet flesh that can be red, pink, yellow, orange, or white. Most watermelons are oval or round and weigh anywhere from 1 kg to over 90 kg.
Watermelon was domesticated in Northeast Africa, with its closest wild relative being the Kordofan melon of Sudan. Evidence of watermelon cultivation in Egypt dates back to 2000 BCE, and the fruit later spread through the Mediterranean and beyond.
Watermelon is a prostrate or climbing annual vine. It grows vigorously during warm weather, sending out long, hairy stems that trail across the ground or climb with the aid of tendrils. The plant’s growth is rapid in full sun and well-drained, fertile soils, and it is typically cultivated as a summer crop.
Watermelon vines love to stretch out—they can sprawl as far as 33 feet (10 meters), so give them plenty of room to roam. As for the fruit, sizes can vary a lot. Wild watermelons are usually about the size of a small melon, around 8 inches (20 cm) across. But the ones we grow in gardens and farms? They can be real giants—often over 24 inches (60 cm) wide and weighing anywhere from a few pounds (1–2 kg) to over 40 pounds (20 kg). Some record-breakers have even tipped the scales at more than 27 kg (60 pounds)!
Watermelon plants are pretty cool when it comes to flowers—they’ve got both male and female blooms growing on the same vine (yep, they’re monoecious if you want to get technical). The flowers are bright yellow and about an inch wide, each popping up on its own little fuzzy stem where the leaf meets the vine. First, you’ll see the male flowers show up. Then come the female ones, which have a tiny baby watermelon (called an inferior ovary) at the base. Once those get pollinated, boom—fruit starts to grow!
Watermelon leaves are big, bold, and kind of fuzzy—especially when the plant is young. They’re usually made up of three to five deep lobes and can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and wide. Each leaf sits on a long stalk that connects it to the vine. When the plant’s just getting started, the leaves and shoots are covered in soft, yellowish-brown hairs that give them a woolly feel. As the watermelon matures, those hairs start to fade, and the leaves smooth out a bit.
Watermelon fruit is basically summer in a shell. It’s a big, round (or sometimes oblong) berry with a tough green rind that can be solid, striped, or all speckled-looking depending on the type. Inside, you’ll usually find juicy red or pink flesh—but some varieties surprise you with yellow, orange, or even white! Most have lots of smooth, flat seeds, though seedless versions are super common these days. What really makes watermelon a fan favorite is its super high water content (over 90%!), crisp bite, and naturally sweet, refreshing flavor.
Watermelon is a warm-season crop that thrives in hot, sunny climates. It is frost-sensitive and best grown in regions with long, warm growing seasons. The plant requires soil temperatures above 21°C (70°F) for optimal germination and growth and does not tolerate cold or prolonged wet conditions.
Watermelon flowers attract pollinators, especially bees, which are essential for fruit set. The fruit is consumed by a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. In some regions, wild watermelons serve as an important water source for animals during dry periods
Watermelon fruit is non-toxic and widely consumed by humans and animals. The rind is also edible when cooked or pickled. However, wild relatives such as Citrullus amarus may have bitter, inedible fruits due to high levels of cucurbitacins, which can be mildly toxic if consumed in large quantities. Cultivated watermelons are safe for human consumption.
Watermelon isn’t just refreshing—it’s also full of nutrients and super hydrating. It’s low in calories and high in vitamin C, lycopene, and water—basically, summer in a slice.
Here’s what you get in one cup (152 g) of fresh watermelon:
Nutrient | Amount per 1 cup (152 g) |
---|---|
Calories | 46 |
Carbohydrates | 11.5 g |
Fiber | 0.6 g |
Sugar | 9.4 g |
Protein | 0.9 g |
Fat | 0.2 g |
Vitamin A | 5–15% DV |
Vitamin C | 12–15% DV |
Potassium | 4% DV |
Magnesium | 4% DV |
Lycopene | 6,890 mcg |
Beyond the numbers, watermelon is rich in citrulline—an amino acid linked to heart and muscle health—and full of antioxidants like vitamin C, lycopene, and carotenoids. Thanks to its 90% water content, it’s one of the best fruits to help you stay hydrated on a hot day. And it does all that while being light and sweet—win-win!
Benefit | What It Does |
---|---|
Hydration | Over 90% water content makes watermelon perfect for staying hydrated, especially on hot days or after workouts. |
Antioxidant Power | Packed with lycopene and vitamin C, which help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and eye disorders. |
Heart Health | Potassium and citrulline help lower blood pressure and support better blood flow by boosting nitric oxide. |
Immune Support | Vitamin C boosts immunity, helps form collagen, and increases iron absorption. |
Skin & Eye Health | Beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A) and vitamin C support glowing skin and sharp vision. |
Muscle Recovery | Citrulline helps reduce muscle soreness and improve performance by helping clear out lactic acid. |
Weight Friendly | Low in calories and fat, yet satisfying and sweet—great for those watching their weight. |
Regularly enjoying watermelon can lead to better diet quality and higher nutrient intake in both kids and adults. It’s one of those rare treats that tastes indulgent but is actually really good for you!
Whether you’re sipping it as watermelon juice, enjoying it in a watermelon feta salad, or blending it into a watermelon smoothie, this fruit is a powerful ally for health. And don’t forget the watermelon seeds—they’re packed with nutrients too!
Knowing how to pick a good watermelon can make the difference between a bland bite and a juicy delight. Here’s what to look for:
Cutting a watermelon doesn’t have to be messy. Here’s a simple step-by-step:
Watermelon is endlessly versatile. Here are some creative and classic ways to enjoy it:
Did you know there are over 300 types of watermelons out there? Yep — these juicy, refreshing fruits aren’t just red and round anymore. From personal-sized minis to golden-skinned oddballs, there’s a watermelon for every taste and occasion. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main types you’ll come across:
Type | Description | Size Range | Seed Characteristics | Flesh Color |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seeded | Classic, old-school watermelons with plenty of black or brown seeds | 5–45 lbs | Numerous mature seeds | Usually red or pink |
Seedless | Developed via hybridization; have soft, tiny, edible white seed coats | 0–25 lbs | Tiny, undeveloped white seeds | Typically red or pink |
Mini | Small, personal-sized melons — easy to carry and chill | 1–7 lbs | Seedless or very few seeds | Red or pink |
Yellow & Orange Flesh | Surprise! These have vibrant yellow or orange flesh instead of the usual red | 10–30 lbs | Both seeded and seedless | Yellow or orange |
Growing watermelon is super rewarding—especially when you bite into a sweet, juicy slice you grew yourself. Here’s how to help your watermelon plants thrive from start to finish.
Choose a sunny spot—watermelons love warmth and need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. And make sure there’s plenty of room—those vines like to spread out!
Watermelons prefer rich, well-draining soil. Sandy or loamy types are ideal, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Mix in compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting. If you can, do a soil test to guide your fertilizer choices.
Wait until the soil warms up—at least 65 to 70°F (18–21°C)—and all chance of frost has passed. In cooler areas, you can use black plastic mulch or row covers to warm the soil and protect seedlings.
Direct Seeding: Plant seeds 1–2 inches deep in mounds or rows. If using mounds, plant 4–6 seeds per mound, spaced about 4 feet apart. Thin to the two strongest seedlings once they sprout.
Transplants: Start seeds indoors 2–4 weeks before your last expected frost. Once the seedlings have 2–3 true leaves, transplant them outdoors, spacing them 2 feet apart in rows 4–6 feet apart.
Seedless varieties usually do better with transplanting, since their seeds are a little more delicate. Growing vertically? Stick to small varieties and use slings to support the fruit.
Space plants about 3 to 5 feet apart, with rows 4 to 6 feet apart. That gives them plenty of room to grow and breathe.
Keep the water coming during flowering and fruit set. Water deeply and less frequently—around 1–2 inches per week is good. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Try to water at the base to avoid wetting the leaves. Once the fruit is maturing, cut back a little to boost sweetness.
Early in the season, black plastic mulch warms the soil and blocks weeds. When the soil warms up to at least 75°F (24°C), you can add organic mulch like straw or grass clippings to keep moisture in and fruit clean.
Watermelons are heavy feeders. Use a balanced fertilizer when planting, and add more nitrogen-rich fertilizer once vines start running and again at first bloom. But ease off on nitrogen later—it can grow more leaves than fruit if overdone.
Keep young melons off the soil with straw or boards to prevent rot. Weed regularly, especially if you aren’t using mulch. Only prune if things get crowded—this is more useful for vertical growing.
Bees do most of the pollinating, so avoid spraying insecticides when flowers are blooming. Good pollination is key to getting nice big fruit.
Watermelons love the heat—ideal temps are around 80°F (27°C). They grow best in warm regions with long summers. Protect young plants from unexpected cold with covers or hot caps if needed.
You’ll know your melon is ready when the little tendril near the fruit turns brown, the spot where it sits on the ground turns yellow, and the rind looks a bit dull. Watermelons don’t ripen after picking, so be sure to time it right!
Watermelons are pretty resilient, but they’re not immune to pest problems and plant diseases. Here’s a rundown of the usual suspects to keep an eye on while you grow your crop.
Watermelon is botanically a fruit because it develops from the ovary of a flower and contains seeds. However, it’s also considered a vegetable in some contexts because it’s grown and harvested like other vegetables and belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash. Fun fact: Oklahoma has even declared watermelon its state vegetable!
There are more than 300 varieties grown in the U.S. and South America, and over 1,200 worldwide. These come in different sizes, shapes, rind patterns, and flesh colors—including red, pink, yellow, and orange.
Seeded watermelons are the traditional kind with black or brown seeds. Seedless types are hybrids—created by crossing plants with different chromosome counts. These are not GMOs and usually contain only tiny, soft white seed coats that are perfectly safe to eat.
Yes! Both black and white watermelon seeds are edible. Black seeds are harder and usually pass through undigested, while white seeds are softer and partially digestible. Don’t worry—eating them won’t grow a watermelon in your stomach.
Whole watermelons last about 3–4 weeks if stored cool and uncut. Once cut, refrigerate and eat within a few days.
This usually happens due to poor pollination, temperature extremes, inconsistent watering, or lack of nutrients. Supporting pollinators and maintaining consistent soil health and watering habits helps prevent this.
Generally, pruning isn’t necessary and can reduce fruit production. But if the vines are out of control, light pruning is okay. For space-saving, consider training them on a trellis with smaller varieties.
Splitting can occur from sudden rain after a dry period or heat stress, which builds up pressure inside the fruit. Blossom end rot, a type of rot on the bottom of the fruit, is often due to calcium deficiency or irregular watering.
Watermelons love water—especially container-grown ones. Water daily when temperatures are under 80°F (27°C), and twice a day when hotter. In-ground plants do better with deep, infrequent watering.
Nope! Watermelons don’t continue to ripen after harvest, so be sure to pick them when they’re fully ripe.
Watermelon is enjoyed in many ways: fresh, blended into juices or smoothies, and tossed into salads. In places like China, Russia, and parts of the U.S. South, the rind is pickled or even cooked as a vegetable.
Yes, dogs can safely enjoy watermelon in moderation! Just be sure to remove the seeds and rind, as they can be hard to digest or pose a choking risk. The juicy flesh is hydrating and low in calories—perfect for a summertime treat.
Yes, cats can nibble on watermelon, but many may not be interested. Like with dogs, remove seeds and rind before offering it. It’s safe in small amounts and can be a fun way to give your cat a little hydration boost.
Absolutely! Watermelon is low in calories but packed with vitamins A and C, antioxidants like lycopene, and lots of water to help keep you hydrated. It’s a refreshing, healthy snack, especially in the heat.
A one-cup (152 g) serving of diced watermelon has just about 46 calories. It’s a guilt-free, sweet treat that’s mostly water and natural sugar.
Watermelon is typically in peak season during the summer—May through September in most areas. However, thanks to global production, you can usually find it year-round in supermarkets.
Yes! You can freeze watermelon chunks for smoothies or cold treats. Just know that the texture gets mushy once thawed, so it’s best used in blended drinks or frozen recipes rather than for snacking.
It does, but only a little. One cup of diced watermelon has about 0.6 grams of fiber. It’s not a major fiber source, but every bit counts, especially when paired with other fruits and veggies in your diet.
Hardiness |
2 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Annuals, Climbers, Fruits |
Plant Family | Cucurbitaceae |
Common names | Watermelon |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Mid, Late) |
Height | 4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm) |
Spread | 5' - 10' (150cm - 3m) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Attracts | Bees |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Africa Studio, Elena Veselova, Decha Sukprasert, Nodar Chernishev, Shutterstock
Hardiness |
2 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Annuals, Climbers, Fruits |
Plant Family | Cucurbitaceae |
Common names | Watermelon |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Mid, Late) |
Height | 4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm) |
Spread | 5' - 10' (150cm - 3m) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Attracts | Bees |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
How many Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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