The Tendersweet Orange Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a beloved heirloom melon known for its brilliant orange flesh, crisp texture, and high sugar content. Unlike typical red watermelons, this variety offers a unique tropical sweetness and a beautiful orange interior that makes it a garden standout.

Each melon grows to impressive size—typically 35–40 lbs (16–18 kg)—with a smooth green rind and vibrant orange pulp that’s perfect for fruit salads, desserts, and fresh eating straight from the garden.

This variety thrives in warm, sunny climates, maturing in about 85–90 days. Excellent for gardeners who love traditional watermelon flavor with a colorful twist.

Features

• 🍉 Unique Orange Flesh: Sweet, rich flavor with tropical notes.
• 🌞 Heirloom Variety: Time-tested favorite for home gardens and farmers’ markets.
• 🌿 Vigorous Growth: Strong vines with reliable fruit set.
• 💧 Juicy & Refreshing: High water content for hot summer days.
• 🌎 Non-GMO & Open-Pollinated: Naturally grown seeds, ideal for saving and replanting.

Specifications

• Common Name: Tendersweet Orange Watermelon
• Scientific Name: Citrullus lanatus
• Plant Type: Annual vine
• USDA Zones: 4 – 11 (as a summer annual)
• Days to Maturity: 85 – 90 days
• Fruit Weight: 35–40 lbs (16–18 kg)
• Flesh Color: Deep orange
• Rind Color: Light green with faint stripes
• Flavor Profile: Very sweet, crisp, tropical notes
• Light Requirements: Full sun (8+ hours daily)
• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile loam
• Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Watering: Regular deep watering during fruit set
• Growth Habit: Spreading vine
• GMO Status: 100% Non-GMO

Planting Guide

• Sowing Time: After last frost when soil warms to at least 70°F (21°C).
• Sowing Depth: ½ inch (1.25 cm).
• Spacing: 3–4 feet between plants; 6–8 feet between rows.
• Germination Temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C).
• Germination Time: 7–10 days.
• Transplanting: Start indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost (optional).
• Watering: Deep, consistent watering; reduce as fruit ripens.
• Harvesting: Fruit is ready when tendril near stem dries and rind resists fingernail pressure.

Care Tips

• Apply mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
• Use compost or organic fertilizer at planting for best yields.
• Rotate crops yearly to avoid soilborne diseases.
• Protect young vines from pests such as cucumber beetles or aphids.