---
title: Crimson Sweet Watermelon
created: 2026-05-24
updated: 2026-05-24
type: entity
tags: [fruiting-vegetables, heirloom, open-pollinated]
sources: [raw/articles/seedvault-home-page.md]
---
# Crimson Sweet Watermelon
## Overview
Juicy, open-pollinated heirloom variety with deep red flesh. Sweet, seed-free watermelon for hot summer days. Southern garden favorite with high adaptability.
- **Category:** Fruiting Vegetables
- **Price:** $3.12
- **Variety Type:** Open-pollinated heirloom
- **Days to Harvest:** 85-90 days
- **Germination:** 7-10 days at 75-85°F
- **Physical Traits:** Tough medium-green rind with dark stripes, ~25 lbs average, high sugar content
## Growing Instructions
- **Cool Climates:** Start indoors 1 month before transplant. 3 seeds per peat pot, 1/4" deep, soil 80-85°F.
- **Warm Climates:** Direct sow when soil reaches 75°F.
- **Space:** 6-8 feet in all directions.
- **Care:** Mulch when vines develop. Keep moist until fruit grows, then water only when soil dries completely.
- **Harvest Indicators:** Dull thump sound, brown tendril, yellow ground spot.
## Soil & Conditions
- **pH:** 6.0-6.8, warm sandy loam ideal. Heavy feeder — compost.
## Seed Storage
- **Viability:** 4-5 years cool/dry. Store below 40°F.
- **Pre-treatment:** Soak overnight. Warm soil 75°F+ critical for germination.
## Yield
- **Per Plant:** 2-3 melons per plant (15-25 lbs each)
- **Harvest Season:** Late summer
- **Note:** Needs hot soil and long season
Cut fully ripe melon, remove seeds, ferment 3 days, rinse, dry 1-2 weeks. Isolate ½ mile from other watermelons. Store flat in paper envelope.
## Pest & Disease
Aphids, cucumber beetles, powdery mildew, fusarium wilt, fruit rot (elevate fruit on boards). Rotate 3-4 years.
## Harvest & Preservation
Harvest when tendril brown, ground spot yellow, dull thump sound. Store whole 1-2 weeks room temp or refrigerated 1 week cut.
## Related
- [[seedvault-market]]
- [[grow-guides]]
- [[seed-catalog]]