Watermelon- Warpaint (Crimson Sweet)

Watermelon – Warpaint (Crimson Sweet)

Citrullus vulgaris (Syn. Citrullus lanatus)

Description

Watermelon 'Warpaint', also known as Crimson Sweet, is a popular heirloom variety known for its large, round to oval fruits that can reach up to 10 kilograms. The fruit features attractive yellow and green striped skin with deep red, juicy flesh and a sweet, refreshing flavour. It stores well after harvest and offers good resistance to common diseases, making it an excellent choice for home gardeners. Perfect for fresh eating, summer fruit salads, or chilled slices on hot days.

Growing Instructions:

When to Sow
Watermelon is a warm-season crop and should be sown after the last frost, once temperatures are consistently warm. Refer to your local climate guide to determine the best time of year for sowing.

Preparation
Choose a sunny location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Prepare the soil by thoroughly removing weeds and loosening it to improve drainage and aeration. Incorporate plenty of organic matter such as aged compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting. Keep the area weed-free until planting time.

How to Sow
Watermelon seeds do not require pre-treatment and grow best when sown directly into the garden. Plant seeds 20 millimetres deep and space them 75 centimetres apart, with rows spaced 125 centimetres apart. Maintain consistent soil moisture during germination, but avoid waterlogging. Seeds generally germinate within 10 to 14 days at soil temperatures between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius. Do not sow until all danger of frost has passed, and protect young seedlings from pests and extreme weather.

How to Grow
During the growing season, water deeply when the top five centimetres of soil feel dry to the touch. Water early in the morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation and avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal issues. If the soil has been well prepared, additional fertiliser is usually not required. However, in poor soils, apply a balanced fertiliser or one formulated for fruiting plants. Use a slow-release fertiliser when seedlings are 5 to 10 centimetres tall, and switch to a liquid fertiliser during flowering and fruiting stages. Plants can be allowed to sprawl on the ground, with at least two square metres of space per plant, or trained up a strong trellis. If growing vertically, support heavy fruit using netting slings and ensure structures are in place before planting. To manage vine size and encourage side shoots, pinch off the growing tips. Mulch under ripening fruit with straw or sugarcane to help prevent rot.

How to Harvest
Watermelon 'Warpaint' takes approximately 90 days to mature. A ripe fruit will have a browned tendril near the stem, a slightly yellow patch on its underside, and will sound hollow when tapped. It should also feel heavy for its size and emit a sweet aroma. Harvest by cutting the fruit from the vine, leaving about 5 to 10 centimetres of stem attached. Store harvested melons in the fridge and enjoy them within a few days for the best flavour and texture.