Congo Organic Watermelon

📜 Historical Information

Congo Watermelon is an heirloom variety introduced in the 1950s and quickly became popular due to its size, sweetness, and durability. While watermelon itself originates from Africa (with wild ancestors found in the Kalahari Desert), the Congo variety was selectively bred for size and flavor, particularly in the United States. Despite its name, this variety doesn’t necessarily hail from the Congo region of Africa but may have been named to emphasize its African heritage or simply to evoke a sense of exoticism and strength.

🎉 Fun Facts

• Congo Watermelon once won the All-America Selections Award in 1950 for its superior qualities.

• The rind can be pickled, a Southern delicacy!

• Watermelon is 92% water, making it a natural hydration booster.

• Ancient Egyptians placed watermelons in tombs for nourishment in the afterlife.

• Congo Watermelon is often used in seed-spitting contests due to its large seed size.

🌿 How to Grow Congo Watermelon from Seed

Materials Needed:

• Congo Watermelon seeds

• Organic compost or well-balanced fertilizer

• Garden tools (hoe, rake, trowel)

• Mulch (straw or grass clippings)

• Raised bed or garden space with full sun

• Watering can or drip irrigation

• Optional: Black plastic mulch for soil warming

• Trellis (if vertical growing is desired for smaller varieties)

Step-by-Step Growing Guide

1. Seed Preparation

• Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 8–12 hours before planting to speed up germination.

• This helps soften the seed coat and improves water absorption.

2. Germination

• Best germination temperature: 75°F–95°F (24°C–35°C)

• Seeds will germinate in 5–10 days under optimal conditions.

3. Site Selection & Soil Prep

• Choose a sunny location (at least 8 hours/day).

• Soil should be well-drained, loamy, and rich in organic matter.

• Ideal pH: 6.0 to 6.8

• Mix compost or aged manure into the soil before planting.

4. Planting

• Direct sow seeds after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperature is at least 70°F.

• Space seeds 1 inch deep, 3 seeds per hill.

• Hills should be spaced 4–6 feet apart in all directions.

• Once seedlings have 2–3 leaves, thin to the strongest plant per hill.

5. Growing Care

• Water regularly, especially during flowering and fruit development.

  • Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

  • Provide 1–2 inches of water per week.

• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• Use row covers early on to protect seedlings from pests.

6. Fertilizing

• Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer early in the growing season.

• Switch to a high-phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once flowering begins.

• Avoid too much nitrogen once fruits are developing—it promotes foliage over fruit.

7. Pest/Disease Management

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

• Diseases include powdery mildew, fusarium wilt, and anthracnose.

• Use crop rotation and proper spacing to avoid fungal problems.

8. Harvesting

• Harvest in 85–90 days from sowing.

• Signs of ripeness:

  • The tendrils nearest the fruit turn brown and dry.

  • The underside of the melon turns creamy yellow.

  • A dull hollow sound when tapped.

  • The skin becomes hard and resistant to scratching.

🧪 Medicinal Uses and Health Benefits

Watermelons, including the Congo variety, are packed with nutrients and offer multiple health benefits:

🔬 Nutritional Profile:

• Rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A (beta-carotene), potassium, and magnesium.

• Contains the amino acid citrulline, which may reduce muscle soreness and improve heart health.

• High in antioxidants like lycopene, which is linked to reduced cancer risk and improved eye health.

💊 Medicinal Uses:

• Hydration & Detox: With over 90% water, it supports kidney function and helps flush toxins.

• Heart Health: Lycopene and citrulline improve blood flow and may lower blood pressure.

• Anti-inflammatory: Contains cucurbitacin E and lycopene, both anti-inflammatory agents.

• Digestive Health: High water and small amounts of fiber help improve digestion.

• Skin & Hair: Vitamin C supports collagen production; Vitamin A helps skin cell repair.

• Muscle Recovery: Citrulline supplements (derived from watermelon) are used by athletes for post-workout recovery.

🍵 Traditional Uses:

• In traditional African and Asian medicine, watermelon juice and seeds were used as diuretics, coolants, and for treating heatstroke.

• Crushed seeds were sometimes used in decoctions to treat urinary tract infections or promote lactation in postpartum women.

🍽️ Uses in the Kitchen

• Eaten fresh, juiced, or made into smoothies.

• Rind can be pickled.

• Freeze chunks for a summer treat or blend into granitas and sorbets.

• Seeds can be roasted and salted, especially from mature fruits.