Growing watermelons in containers is a great option for those who have limited space or want to grow them on their balcony or patio. However, not all watermelon varieties are suitable for container growing. Choosing the right variety is crucial to ensure that your watermelon plant thrives and produces tasty fruits.
When it comes to growing watermelons in containers, compact varieties that produce relatively small fruits are the best option. Some of the best watermelon varieties for containers include Sugar Baby, Moon, and Stars, Crimson Sweet, Bush Sugar Baby, Sugar Pot, and Mini Love. These varieties have a shorter vine length and can be grown in smaller containers, making them ideal for container gardening. Additionally, they are known for their sweet and juicy flesh, making them a delicious treat during the hot summer months.
Understanding Watermelon Varieties
Watermelons come in a variety of types, each with its own unique characteristics. When it comes to growing watermelons in containers, it’s important to choose the right variety to ensure success. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of watermelon varieties.
Red Flesh Varieties
Red flesh watermelons are the most popular type of watermelon. They are known for their juicy, sweet flavor and bright red flesh. Some of the most popular red flesh varieties include:
- Sugar Baby
- Crimson Sweet
- Jubilee
- Moonbeam
- Mini Love
- Blacktail Mountain
- Georgia Rattlesnake
Sugar Baby is a small, round watermelon that is perfect for container gardening. It has a sweet, juicy flesh and a thin rind that makes it easy to cut. Crimson Sweet is another popular variety that produces large, sweet watermelons with bright red flesh. Jubilee is a large, oval-shaped watermelon with a sweet, juicy flavor.
Yellow Flesh Varieties
Yellow flesh watermelons have a sweeter, milder flavor than red flesh watermelons. They are also less common than red flesh watermelons. Some of the most popular yellow flesh varieties include:
- Golden Midget
- Moon & Stars
Golden Midget is a small, round watermelon with a bright yellow flesh. It has a sweet, juicy flavor and a thin rind that makes it easy to cut. Moon & Stars is a larger, oval-shaped watermelon with a yellow flesh and unique, star-shaped spots on the rind.
Seedless Varieties
Seedless watermelons are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience. They are easier to eat and don’t require spitting out seeds. Some of the most popular seedless varieties include:
- Bush Sugar Baby
- Sugar Pot
Bush Sugar Baby is a small, round watermelon that is perfect for container gardening. It has a sweet, juicy flesh and a thin rind that makes it easy to cut. Sugar Pot is a larger, oval-shaped watermelon with a sweet, juicy flavor and a seedless flesh.
When choosing a watermelon variety for container gardening, it’s important to consider the size of the container and the space you have available. Some varieties are better suited for small containers, while others require more space to grow. Consider the climate in your area and choose a variety that will thrive in your growing conditions.
Best Watermelon Varieties for Containers
When it comes to growing watermelons in containers, selecting the right variety can make all the difference in the world. While traditional watermelon varieties are known for their sprawling vines and large fruits, there are certain varieties that are well-suited for container gardening.
These varieties not only thrive in confined spaces but also produce juicy, flavorful fruits that will satisfy your summer cravings. Here are five exceptional watermelon varieties that are perfect for growing in containers:
Sugar Baby
Sugar Baby is a popular choice among container gardeners due to its compact size and exceptional flavor. This variety produces small to medium-sized fruits with a dark green rind and vibrant red flesh. The sweet, juicy taste of Sugar Baby watermelons is truly a delight, making them a favorite among gardeners of all skill levels. With a maturity period of around 75 days, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor in no time.
Crimson Sweet
If you’re looking for a watermelon variety that combines sweetness with size, then Crimson Sweet is an excellent choice. This variety is known for its large, oval-shaped fruits that can weigh up to 25 pounds. The rind of Crimson Sweet watermelons is light green with dark green stripes, while the flesh is a vibrant red color. With a sugar content that will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds, Crimson Sweet is a reliable option for container gardening.
Mini Love
True to its name, Mini Love is a compact watermelon variety that is perfect for small spaces. This petite watermelon produces fruits that weigh around 3-5 pounds, making them ideal for individual servings. Mini Love watermelons have a thin, dark green rind and a crisp, juicy flesh that is deep red in color. With a maturity period of only 70-75 days, you can enjoy the sweetness of Mini Love watermelons in a relatively short amount of time.
Yellow Doll
For those looking to add a splash of color to their container garden, Yellow Doll is a unique watermelon variety worth considering. This variety is renowned for its bright yellow rind and sweet, pale yellow flesh. The flavor of Yellow Doll watermelons is slightly milder compared to traditional red-fleshed varieties, but it still offers a refreshing taste that is perfect for summer. With an average weight of 6-8 pounds, Yellow Doll is a visually stunning and delicious addition to any container garden.
Moon and Stars
Moon and Stars is a watermelon variety that captures the imagination with its distinctive appearance. This heirloom variety features a dark green rind speckled with small, yellow dots, resembling a starry night sky. The flesh of Moon and Stars watermelons is a vibrant red color and has a sweet, juicy taste. With an average weight of 15-25 pounds, these watermelons are a showstopper in both appearance and flavor.
By choosing any of these five outstanding watermelon varieties, you can embark on a rewarding journey of growing your own juicy fruits in containers. Whether you opt for the compact size of Sugar Baby or the unique appearance of Moon and Stars, each variety offers its own distinct qualities that will surely satisfy your watermelon cravings. So, grab your gardening gloves and get ready to experience the joy of growing watermelons in containers!
Container Watermelon Varieties For Your Container Garden
If you want to learn more about growing watermelon in containers, check out our detailed guide on growing watermelon in containers. And don’t forget to stay tuned for our upcoming articles on fertilizing watermelons in pots and harvesting watermelons in containers for more tips and tricks to ensure a successful container watermelon garden!
