Type
heirloom, speckled rind
Watermelon variety
Moon and Stars Watermelon
A distinctive heirloom with dark rind dotted with yellow spots and sweet flesh. It is often grown as much for appearance as for eating quality.
Days to maturity
90 to 100
Best for
heirloom gardens, novelty
About Moon and Stars
Moon and Stars is a striking heirloom named for the scattering of small yellow spots (the stars) and a larger yellow patch (the moon) on its dark green rind, with the speckling often appearing on the foliage as well. Most strains have sweet red flesh, though yellow-fleshed selections exist, and the fruit can grow quite large. It nearly vanished from cultivation before being reintroduced by seed savers.
Growing Moon and Stars Watermelon
This is a long-season melon of roughly 90 to 100 days, so it does best where summers are warm and long. Give the big vines room, about 4 to 6 feet apart, and be patient since the fruit sizes up slowly. The yellow ground spot is a helpful harvest cue along with a dried tendril at the stem.
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.