13 of the Latest Watermelon Varieties [slideshow]
Browse this slideshow for more information on 13 watermelon varieties you need to know in 2017 from the nation’s leading seed breeders and distributors.
-
-
1 of 13
Bijoux
A round, deep red watermelon, Bijoux has resistance to Fusarium races 1 and 2, Anthracnose races 1 and 3, gummy stem blight, and downy mildew. It weighs between 3.5 and 4 pounds. This seedless, personal-size watermelon ships well and can be produced anywhere watermelons are grown. Available from Golden Valley Seed.
-
2 of 13
Bottle Rocket
An oblong watermelon with a dark, mottled stripe and deep-red flesh, Bottle Rocket has intermediate resistance to Fusarium wilt race 1 and weights between18 and 21 pounds. It is suited for production in all regions of the U.S. Fruit grow on a vigorous plant with good vine coverage; deep-red flesh; great rind and flesh definition; small pips and low frequency of hard seed coats. Available from Seminis.
-
3 of 13
Dark Belle
Dark Belle is an oblong, medium-green watermelon with dark stripes. It weighs between 6 and 7 pounds and matures in 75 days. Widely adapted, Dark Belle performs well in northern latitudes. Boasting a sweet flavor, is it suited for fresh market or farm stand sales. Available from Known You Seed America and Johnny's Selected Seeds.
-
4 of 13
Harvest Moon
A round watermelon with dark-green rind and red flesh, Harvest Moon weighs between 15 and 18 pounds and matures 75 days from transplant. It is said to be the first ever hybrid, triploid seedless watermelon to win an All-America Selections award. ‘Harvest Moon’ features healthy, shorter vines that produce medium-sized fruits and sweet, crisp pinkish-red flesh. Available from Seeds By Design.
-
5 of 13
Joy Ride
Joy Ride is a highly adaptable triploid watermelon suitable for all U.S. growing regions. Features include a thick rind, firm fruit, and uniform setting on a vigorous plant with good canopy coverage. It weighs between 17 and 21 pounds, matures in 88 days, and has intermediate resistance to Fusarium wilt race 1. Available from Seminis, Rispens Seeds, and Siegers Seed Co.
-
6 of 13
Kingman
Kingman represents the next generation of seedless watermelon offering triple the benefit and superior traits of mid-early maturity, very firm, bright-red, tasty flesh, and delicious flavor. Available from Sakata Seed America.
-
7 of 13
Maxima
Maxima is a full-season crimson with an eye-catching dark-green rind. It yields 36-count fruit with an average weight of 19 to 22 pounds. Fruit is firm with a dark-red interior and long shelf life. Maxima sets freely on a strong vine for excellent yield potential. Matures in 90 days. Available from Seedway.
-
8 of 13
Premium
Premium is a round to oval in shape with a light green or white background with dark-green stripes. It has resistance to Fusarium races 0 and 1. This watermelon weighs between 5.5 and 8 pounds and matures in 72 to 78 days. Producing high yields, it is best suited for production in Europe, Mexico, and California. Available from Nunhems.
-
9 of 13
Premont
A round to oval watermelon, Premont weighs between 15 and 17 pounds. Boasting a high yield potential. It matures in 90 to 95 days. Best suited for production in the Eastern U.S., it features deep-red flesh with high Brix and small seed pips. It is said to have excellent shipping capabilities and shelf life. Available from Clifton Seed Company and Colorado Seed Company.
-
10 of 13
Road Trip
PrOblong 16- to 18-pound (7½- to 8-kilogram) mottled-green uniform fruits have very firm bright-red sweet flesh. Road Trip has very high 11.7 Brix and less hollow heart. It is ANTH and Fusarium tolerance. Matures in 85 days. Available from Stokes Seeds, Rupp Seeds, and Seminis.
-
11 of 13
Sweet Dawn
Sweet Dawn is an early-maturing seedless that has shown consistent yield potential. The 16-20 pound fruit have a classic Crimson Sweet rind pattern, deep red, firm flesh, and have shown less hollow heart issues than other early varieties. Available from Syngenta, Harris Seeds, and Stokes Seeds.
-
12 of 13
Sweet Polly
Sweet Polly is a medium-large triploid with strong vines and exceptional rind appearance. High-quality, dark-red flesh is firm with small pips. Resistance to Fusarium wilt and Anthracnose race 1. Mostly 45 count. Available from Siegers Seed Co.
-
13 of 13
Talca
An oval-shaped watermelon boasting a deep red color, Talca weighs between 17 and 20 pounds. It is a mid-to-late season variety that matures in 90 days. Available from Seedway and Origene Seeds.
View all
Bijoux
Bottle Rocket
Dark Belle
Harvest Moon
Joy Ride
Kingman
Maxima
Premium
Premont
Road Trip
Sweet Dawn
Sweet Polly
Talca
Subscribe Today For
Rosemary Gordon is editor of American Vegetable Grower, a Meister Media Worldwide publication. See all author stories here.