Congo Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a legendary heirloom and All-America Selections (AAS) winner, celebrated for producing massive, sweet, and juicy melons that can reach up to 40 pounds each. Its thick, dark green rind protects the fruit during long summer growing seasons, while the vibrant red interior is crisp, refreshing, and bursting with sweetness.
This Non-GMO, open-pollinated variety performs exceptionally well in warm climates and rich, well-drained soil. It’s a top choice for gardeners and growers who want abundant yields of large, high-quality fruit with traditional watermelon flavor and excellent storage capability.
Features
- Produces large 30–40 lb fruits with sweet red flesh
- All-America Selections (AAS) award-winning variety
- Thick rind helps resist cracking and extend shelf life
- Non-GMO, open-pollinated heirloom melon
- Excellent resistance to heat and moderate drought
- Great for slicing, picnics, and fresh summer eating
Specifications
- Scientific Name: Citrullus lanatus
- Common Name: Congo Watermelon
- Plant Type: Annual fruiting vine
- Growth Habit: Sprawling vine (up to 10–12 ft long)
- Fruit Weight: 30–40 lbs
- Fruit Shape: Oblong
- Rind Color: Dark green with light green stripes
- Flesh Color: Bright red
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–11 (grown as annual)
- Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours minimum)
- Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained sandy loam, pH 6.0–7.5
- Bloom Season: Summer
- Harvest Season: 95–100 days from sowing
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Organic Status: Conventional heirloom (organic option available)
- Planting Season: Spring after frost danger passes
- Sowing Depth: ½–1 inch
- Germination Time: 7–14 days at 75–85°F
- Watering Needs: Moderate to high; deep watering promotes large fruit
- Spacing: 3–4 ft between plants; 6–8 ft between rows
- Pollination: Insect-pollinated
- Maintenance: Prune excess vines for airflow and larger fruit set
- Uses: Fresh eating, fruit platters, juicing, picnics
Planting Guide
- Soil Preparation: Choose a sunny, warm site with well-drained soil enriched with organic compost.
- Sow Seeds: Plant ½–1 inch deep after the soil warms to at least 70°F.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during germination; reduce slightly once vines spread.
- Fertilizer: Apply balanced fertilizer during flowering and fruit formation.
- Support: Allow vines to spread on the ground or mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- Harvest: Pick when the underside of the melon turns creamy yellow and the tendril near the fruit dries.