Type
striped main-season
Watermelon variety
Crimson Sweet Watermelon
A popular home-garden watermelon with bright red flesh and sweet flavor. Fruit is medium to large with classic striped rind.
Days to maturity
80 to 85
Best for
fresh eating, reliable main crop
About Crimson Sweet
Crimson Sweet is a widely grown open-pollinated variety developed at Kansas State University, known for round to oval fruit with a light green rind marked by dark green stripes. The flesh is bright red, crisp, and high in sugar, with relatively small seeds. It carries useful resistance to fusarium wilt and anthracnose, which helps it perform reliably across many regions.
Growing Crimson Sweet Watermelon
Give plants plenty of room, about 4 to 6 feet apart, since the vigorous vines sprawl and individual fruit can reach 15 to 25 pounds. It needs a full, warm season of roughly 85 days, so start early in cooler areas. Harvest when the ground spot yellows, the tendril near the stem dries, and the melon gives a dull sound when thumped.
Full growing guide
For planting dates, care, and harvest that apply to all watermelon, see the complete guide.
How to grow WatermelonOther watermelon varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.