Crimson Sweet is a classic open-pollinated watermelon developed by Charles V. Hall at Kansas State University and released in 1963. It quickly became one of the most popular home-garden and market watermelons in the United States because of its outstanding sweetness, high yields, and disease tolerance. The round-to-oval fruit has striped green rind and firm, crisp red flesh with small seeds. Crimson Sweet remains a benchmark variety and a parent of many modern hybrids. It performs well across a wide range of climates and is favored for its balance of sugar content, shipping durability, and reliable production, making it a staple of both commercial fields and backyard patches.
Flavor Profile
Very sweet with high sugar content and crisp, juicy flesh.
Visual Characteristics
Round-to-oval fruit weighing 15-25 pounds with a light green rind marked by dark green stripes and deep red flesh.
Growing Tips
Needs full sun, warm soil, and consistent watering; space vigorous vines widely and harvest when the ground spot turns creamy yellow.
Resistance Information
Disease Resistance
Tolerant to fusarium wilt and anthracnose
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.