All Sweet Organic Watermelon

The vines are vigorous and sprawling, often requiring ample space to thrive. Large, lobed leaves protect the fruit from sunburn, and bright yellow flowers attract pollinators like bees. All Sweet is a standard in watermelon breeding programs due to its resistance to fusarium wilt and anthracnose, as well as its excellent shelf life and transportability.

📜 Historical Tidbits

Watermelons trace their origins back over 5,000 years to the Kalahari Desert in Africa. Ancient Egyptians even depicted them in hieroglyphs and buried them with their pharaohs as a source of hydration in the afterlife.

The All Sweet variety was developed in the mid-20th century in the United States as a market-friendly cultivar, designed for both home gardeners and commercial growers. It quickly gained popularity due to its reliable yield, disease resistance, and classic sweet flavor that recalls heirloom watermelons.

🌱 How to Grow All Sweet Watermelon from Seed

Materials Needed:

• All Sweet Watermelon seeds

• Seed-starting mix or well-draining soil

• Seed trays or peat pots (optional for indoor starting)

• Compost or organic fertilizer

• Garden space or raised bed (at least 6–8 ft. per plant)

• Mulch (e.g., straw or black plastic)

• Watering can or hose

• Trellis or support (optional, but usually grown on ground)

Seed Preparation:

No special scarification is needed, but for faster germination:

• Soak seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours before planting.

Germination Conditions:

• Ideal soil temperature: 75°F to 90°F (24°C to 32°C)

• Germination time: 4–10 days

• Do not plant seeds in cold soil; they will rot or fail to sprout.

Steps to Grow All Sweet Watermelon:

1. Choose the Right Location:

   • Pick a spot with full sun (6–8 hours minimum daily) and well-drained, sandy or loamy soil.

   • Soil pH should be 6.0 to 6.8.

2. Starting Seeds Indoors (optional):

   • Start seeds 3–4 weeks before last frost date.

   • Use biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing roots when transplanting.

3. Direct Sowing Outdoors:

   • After the last frost and when soil has warmed to at least 70°F, sow seeds 1 inch deep, in mounds or rows.

   • Space mounds 3–4 feet apart with 6 feet between rows.

4. Watering:

   • Keep soil consistently moist during germination.

   • Once established, deep water once a week. Avoid watering leaves or fruits to prevent rot and mildew.

5. Feeding:

   • Fertilize at planting with compost or a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer.

   • Switch to high-phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once flowers appear.

6. Mulching:

   • Apply mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and warm the soil.

   • Black plastic mulch is especially effective for early season planting.

7. Pollination:

   • Watermelons require insect pollination. If fruit isn’t setting, hand-pollinate using a brush or gently rubbing male and female flowers together.

8. Pest & Disease Control:

   • Watch for cucumber beetles, aphids, and squash bugs.

   • Use row covers until flowering starts, and apply neem oil if needed.

   • Avoid overwatering and rotate crops to reduce fungal diseases.

9. Harvesting:

   • Harvest 85–100 days after planting.

   • Signs of ripeness:

     • Tendril nearest the fruit turns brown and dry

     • Underside of melon turns creamy yellow

     • Deep, hollow sound when tapped

   • Cut fruit with shears or knife to avoid damaging the vine.

🍉 Fun Facts About All Sweet Watermelon

• Watermelons are 92% water – no wonder they’re the go-to summer hydration snack!

• All Sweet Watermelon’s rind can be pickled or stir-fried.

• This variety is sometimes used in agriculture education programs to teach seed saving and vine crop cultivation.

🩺 Medicinal Uses & Health Benefits

All Sweet Watermelon isn’t just delicious – it’s surprisingly healthy too:

Nutritional Highlights:

• Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants like lycopene.

• Contains citrulline, an amino acid that may boost nitric oxide, improving blood flow and heart health.

• Low in calories, high in hydration – perfect for weight management and skin health.

Medicinal Benefits:

1. Cardiovascular Health:

   • Lycopene and citrulline can reduce blood pressure and improve arterial function.

2. Anti-inflammatory:

   • High antioxidant levels combat inflammation and oxidative stress.

3. Kidney Support:

   • Its diuretic properties help flush out toxins and reduce kidney strain.

4. Muscle Recovery:

   • Athletes use watermelon juice to reduce muscle soreness due to citrulline content.

5. Skin & Eye Health:

   • Vitamin A supports cell regeneration and protects vision.

🍵 Bonus Tip: Watermelon rind tea is used in traditional medicine to relieve urinary tract infections and edema.

🍽️ Culinary Uses:

• Fresh slices or watermelon balls in fruit salads

• Blended into smoothies or popsicles

• Watermelon juice with mint or lime

• Grilled watermelon steaks for a savory twist

• Fermented rind pickles for gut health