Citrullus lanatus Seeds | Crimson Sweet Watermelon
LATIN NAME: Citrullus lanatus
COMMON NAME: Crimson Sweet Watermelon
Plant Profile
Citrullus lanatus, commonly known as Crimson Sweet Watermelon, is a species with a long record in gardens. Latin Name: Citrullus lanatus English/Common Name: Crimson Sweet Watermelon. Its flowers draw a steady traffic of bees and other beneficial insects. Few species give back so generously for so little effort.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the Citrullus group, Citrullus lanatus contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. Crop is important in research on fruit development, sugar accumulation, seed biology, drought response and breeding. Nothing exotic is required: standard seed-sowing practice, done carefully, is enough.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Crimson Sweet Watermelon earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. It is grown commercially and in home gardens for fresh fruit production. Cultivar type is also useful in agricultural education and comparative trials of watermelon characteristics. Thereafter it wants only the ordinary attentions any garden plant receives.
Watermelon is a functional summer fruit: it is the richest common source of citrulline, studied for blood-flow and exercise recovery, and its lycopene rivals tomato’s; the seeds are a protein-rich snack across Africa and Asia.
Growing from Seed
Raising Crimson Sweet Watermelon from seed is straightforward. Sow seed in a warm, well-drained medium and cover lightly. Maintain even moisture and strong light. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
Crimson Sweet Watermelon settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Plant it in sun with drainage to its liking and the rest is easy.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Crimson Sweet Watermelon often pair it with these related subjects: