Organic 'Citron Red Seeded' watermelon

Organic 'Lemon Red Seeded' watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) from the seed company Gaia, an heirloom variety for preserves and traditional sweets

The 'Citron Red Seeded' watermelon is an old heirloom variety cultivated for centuries , traditionally used for making preserves , pickles, and other old-fashioned sweets. Its pale, firm flesh, dotted with red seeds, is not eaten fresh like modern watermelons; it excels instead in cooking, confectionery, and other processing. Descended from a lineage that may date back to ancient Africa , cultivated in the Nile Valley as early as the 2nd millennium BC, it traveled to India, China, Europe, and then North America with European settlers and enslaved African populations. A vigorous and very hardy plant, it thrives in light, sandy soils and loves the intense summer heat.

Companion plants : Radish, Corn, Garlic, Nasturtium, Pumpkin, Squash
Enemy plants : Potato

Spread/Habit : Very vigorous creeping vine
Plant height : 20 to 30 cm
Quantity per packet : 20 seeds
Certification : Environmentally friendly product
Special features : Very old variety, firm flesh ideal for canning, red seeds, high heat tolerance

Leaf color : Medium green, lobed
Texture/flavor : Firm flesh, sweet after cooking, intended for processing
Cold tolerance : Not hardy

Farming method

To improve germination, soak the seeds for 12 hours in lukewarm water and lightly scarify the shell. Sow directly outdoors in mounds 30 cm in diameter when the soil temperature exceeds 21°C , or start the seeds indoors 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting. Sow the seeds 1.25 cm deep. Leave 240 cm (8 ft) between each mound to allow the vines to spread. Plant in full sun (level 3), with moderate watering (level 2). Germination occurs in 3 to 10 days at temperatures between 21 and 35°C (optimum 27–30°C).

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest when the tendril near the fruit is dry and brown , a classic sign of ripeness in watermelons. Store the fruit at 7°C with 85% humidity for up to 3 weeks .

Usage ideas

• In traditional sweet preserves (lemon melon preserves)
• As fragrant and crunchy gherkins
• Diced for old-fashioned jams or jellies
• As an accompaniment to vintage recipes and heritage desserts
• Slow-cooked to confit the firm flesh

The 'Citron Red Seeded' watermelon embodies an ancient horticultural heritage: robust, historic, and perfect for rediscovering jams and sweets of yesteryear. A unique heirloom variety for curious gardeners and lovers of traditional recipes.