Watermelon Crimson Sweet - Citrullus lanatus

Citrullus lanatus 'Crimson Sweet' is an early variety with very large oval fruits weighing 10 to 12kg. Its light green skin marbled with dark green encloses deep red, sweet, juicy, and refreshing flesh. It is resistant to diseases. Sow from March to May. Harvest from July to September.

Watermelon was cultivated before the Christian era in the Nile Valley, as evidenced by the frescoes in the pharaohs' tombs. Watermelon fruits are consumed raw, either salted or sweet. In hot regions, they are highly appreciated for their refreshing quality. They also make very good jams. They are consumed in cubes with crushed ice or with various exotic fruits in fruit salads. Watermelon has antiscorbutic, purifying, and hydrating properties, and contains vitamins (A, B, C) and minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron).

Harvest: watermelons are harvested as they ripen. They are ripe when they lose their shiny colour and sound hollow when tapped.

Storage: they can be stored for a few days in a cool place after harvest.

Gardener's tip: regular hoeing and weeding is beneficial. Mulching is recommended in case of drought.