The Crimson Sweet watermelon is a popular variety known for its dependable sweetness and large size, typically yielding fruits weighing 20 to 25 pounds. It is characterized by a round-to-oval shape and a rind featuring alternating light and dark green stripes. The interior flesh is a deep, firm, bright red with an intense sweet flavor. Successfully harvesting this melon at its peak requires knowing how to read the subtle signals the plant provides.
Understanding the Maturity Window
The Crimson Sweet variety generally requires 80 to 95 days to reach full maturity from the date of planting or transplanting. This timeframe serves as an important initial guideline for when to begin checking the fruit for ripeness indicators.
This calendar window depends heavily on local growing conditions, especially temperature and water availability. Consistent warm temperatures and sunshine accelerate the development of sugars and maturity. Conversely, cooler weather or irregular watering can slow the process, pushing the harvest date toward the later end of the 95-day range. The time guideline helps narrow the search, but physical signs are the only certain way to determine readiness.
Visual and Auditory Signals of Readiness
Since watermelons do not continue to ripen after being removed from the vine, identifying the exact moment of peak maturity is necessary for optimal flavor. The vine provides three distinct physical changes that collectively signal the fruit is ready for harvest. Relying on a combination of these indicators offers the highest probability of a perfectly sweet melon.
The Tendril Test
The tendril is a small, curly growth located on the vine closest to the fruit’s stem attachment point. While the fruit is developing, this tendril is green and pliable, actively transporting nutrients. Once the melon reaches maturity, the tendril will turn brown, dry out, and become brittle. A completely brown and dried tendril is a reliable visual cue that sugar production has ceased and the fruit is fully ripe.
The Ground Spot
The area where the watermelon rests on the soil, known as the ground spot, undergoes a significant color change as the fruit ripens. On an immature melon, this spot appears white or a very pale yellow. As the melon matures, the patch transitions to a deep, creamy yellow or orange-yellow color. This shift indicates the fruit has accumulated enough sugar and stopped absorbing chlorophyll at that contact point.
The Thump Test
The auditory test involves gently tapping the melon with knuckles or an open palm to gauge the sound it produces. An unripe melon typically emits a higher-pitched, metallic, or resonant sound. A ripe Crimson Sweet melon, with its dense, fully developed flesh, produces a deeper, duller, more hollow thud. Listening for the transition from a sharp ring to a muted thud is a useful confirmation when paired with the visual signs.
Proper Harvesting Technique and Storage
Once maturity indicators are aligned, harvest the watermelon using a sharp tool to prevent damage to the vine and the fruit. Use a clean knife or sharp pruning shears to cut the stem cleanly away from the vine. Leave a small piece of stem, approximately one to two inches long, attached to the melon.
Leaving the short stem segment attached helps seal the fruit, slowing moisture loss and preventing pathogens from entering the cut point. This stem acts as a natural barrier, prolonging the melon’s shelf life. After harvesting, wash any dirt from the rind and store the whole, uncut watermelon in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If the melon is cut, remaining portions must be refrigerated in an airtight container to preserve freshness.