The Crimson Sweet watermelon is a popular, open-pollinated variety known for its reliable performance and exceptional flavor. Introduced in 1963, this heirloom type has earned a reputation among growers for its high sugar content and excellent yield. It is a favorite among home gardeners because it consistently produces large, sweet fruit with a classic striped appearance. Its genetic stability ensures the melon’s flesh will be a deep, vibrant red, even under standard growing conditions.
Typical Size and Weight Parameters
The Crimson Sweet variety is a large watermelon, typically achieving an oval-to-round shape upon maturity. Under standard growing conditions, these melons weigh between 15 and 25 pounds. This range is expected when the plant receives adequate care throughout the growing season. The typical dimensions for a mature fruit are about 10 to 12 inches in diameter and slightly longer, presenting as a blocky oval. With focused cultivation techniques, the Crimson Sweet has the genetic potential for greater size, with maximum weights occasionally reaching 30 to 35 pounds under optimal environmental and nutritional conditions.
Cultivation Factors for Maximum Growth
Achieving the maximum size potential requires attention to several environmental and nutritional inputs throughout the plant’s life cycle. The vine needs extensive space to spread, as its root system and foliage must support the growth of heavy fruit. Plants should be spaced at least three to six feet apart to ensure adequate air circulation and sunlight for the sprawling vines.
The soil must be deep, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is optimal for nutrient uptake in watermelon plants. Seeds or transplants should only be introduced once the soil consistently maintains a temperature of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nutrient management during the fruiting stage is important for size development. While excessive nitrogen encourages vine growth at the expense of the fruit, developing melons require high levels of phosphorus and potassium. Applying a fertilizer rich in potassium helps drive sugar production and bulk accumulation. This nutrient shift is timed to coincide with the initial fruit set and subsequent enlargement.
Consistent, deep watering is necessary to fully inflate the large fruit. Watermelons need about one to two inches of water per week, especially during fruit set and early growth. Drip irrigation is preferred because it delivers moisture directly to the root zone while minimizing the risk of fungal diseases. As the fruit approaches its final size and begins to ripen, reducing the frequency of watering helps concentrate the sugars, enhancing both quality and density.
Harvesting for Optimal Size and Quality
A Crimson Sweet watermelon typically reaches maturity and peak size around 80 to 90 days after planting. Harvesting at the correct time ensures the melon has maximized its sugar content. Relying solely on the days-to-maturity count is insufficient, so growers must watch for a combination of visual indicators.
One reliable sign is the change in the color of the ground spot, the area where the melon rests on the soil. This spot transitions from pale white or light green to a creamy, butter-yellow hue when the fruit is ready. The overall sheen of the rind also changes, losing its waxy luster and developing a dull appearance.
The most definitive indicator is the tendril closest to the stem connection point. This small, curly structure will dry out and turn brown, signaling that the vine is no longer actively supplying resources to the fruit.