Name: Organic 'Will's Sugar' Watermelon Seeds
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

Open-pollinated seeds. Cucurbitaceae.

Gaia

Citrullus lanatus.

From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated

Common nameWill’s Sugar watermelon.

FamilyCucurbitaceae.

GenusCitrullus

Specieslanatus.

CultivarWill's Sugar

TypeOpen-pollinated seeds.

Botanical nameCitrullus lanatus.

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietytrue

Quantity per packet20 seeds

Organic 'Will's Sugar' Watermelon Seeds (Citrullus lanatus). Citrullus lanatus, is an heirloom associated with the Oscar Will seed house in North Dakota in the late nineteenth century. Gaia describes round fruit with juicy, sweet pink flesh that may reach approximately 25 cm in diameter. Trailing vines and abundant foliage require open space in the warmest part of the garden. This variety is valued both for fresh eating and for its North American garden history. Gaia’s Ecocert certificate lists Will’s Sugar organic seeds under watermelons. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Start plants in individual pots so each root ball can be moved without disturbing the roots. Direct sowing is also possible once the soil is thoroughly warm and frost danger has passed. Cover seeds with approximately 13 mm of fine soil. Gaia lists an optimum germination temperature of 27 to 30°C and emergence in 3 to 10 days. Keep the medium moist but never waterlogged. Harden plants off gradually before transplanting them into full sun. Avoid late handling of plants that have outgrown small containers. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated.

Let fruit ripen fully in the garden because watermelon does not become sweeter after harvest. Check several signs, including a dried tendril nearest the fruit and a change in the ground spot, often toward yellow. Do not rely on days to maturity or the sound made by tapping the rind alone. Cut the stem cleanly when the signs agree. Serve the flesh fresh in slices or pieces. After harvest, store whole watermelons away from apples, bananas and tomatoes to support keeping quality.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun.
Life cycle: Annual.
Hardiness: Cultivée comme annuelle après le dernier gel.

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

About 13 mm (1/2 in.).

Spacing / density

90 to 105 cm (35.4 to 41.3 in.) between plants; 120 to 150 cm (47.2 to 59.1 in) between rows.

Germination temperature

Approximately 27 to 30 °C (81 to 86 °F), according to Gaia.

Germination time

About 3 to 10 days in good conditions, according to Gaia.

Sowing period

Start one seed per individual pot three to four weeks before planting, or direct sow in well-warmed soil after frost danger has passed. Sow approximately 1 to 1.5 cm deep and keep the medium moist with no standing water. Temperatures of 23 to 30°C support emergence, usually within 4 to 10 days.

Propagation

By seed; isolate plants if saving seed to preserve varietal purity.

Growing method

Harden off seedlings gradually, then transplant the entire root ball without disturbing the roots. Space plants about 90 to 105 cm apart with 120 to 150 cm between rows in full sun and warm, fertile, well-drained soil. A temporary row cover can help plants establish, but remove it when flowering begins so pollinators can reach the blooms. Water deeply at soil level and maintain even moisture during establishment, flowering and fruit development. Avoid wetting the foliage repeatedly or leaving water around the crown. Successful seed starting depends on warmth, a clean mix and minimal root disturbance at transplanting. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.0.

Moisture

Evenly moist soil with no standing water.

Minimum temperature

Frost-tender; plant after the last frost once nights remain mild.

Care level

Moderate.

Watering

Mulch keeps fruit off the soil and reduces evaporation. As fruit approaches maturity, avoid pronounced swings between drought and heavy watering. Do not allow plants to remain wilted.

Soil type

Choose fertile, loose, well-drained soil that holds even moisture without remaining saturated. Incorporate finished compost before planting and avoid cold or compacted ground. In containers, use vegetable potting mix rather than garden soil alone. Effective drainage keeps air around the roots and reduces problems caused by standing water.

Fertilization

Incorporate finished compost at planting. Supplement with a vegetable fertilizer according to its label and the soil’s fertility, especially in containers where frequent watering leaches nutrients. Avoid excess nitrogen, which favours leaves over fruit. Water a dry root ball before fertilizing and adjust applications to actual growth.

Seasonal care

In spring, start briefly in individual pots and wait for warm soil before planting. Protect seedlings from cool nights and preserve the root ball at transplanting. In early summer, guide vines and weed before they cover the soil. Remove covers at bloom so pollinators can reach the flowers. Water consistently while fruit enlarges and place a clean barrier under fruit resting on damp soil. Check variety-specific ripeness signs late in summer, harvest before frost and remove crop residue.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

At least 60 L per plant.

For container growing, use a very large pot with excellent drainage and room for the vines. If vines are trained on a trellis, anchor it securely and support each developing fruit with a flexible sling. Check moisture daily in hot weather and water deeply as needed. Keep flowers accessible to pollinators. A small container or a site with insufficient sun greatly reduces the likelihood of ripe fruit.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

30 to 45 cm (11.8 to 17.7 in).

Width / spread

90 to 150 cm (35.4 to 59.1 in.).

Flower color

Yellow.

Foliage color

Green.

Foliage type

Herbaceous annual.

Growth rate

Varies with warmth, light and growth stage.

Growth habit

Trailing vines.

Edible parts

Ripe fruit flesh.

Bloom period

Both male and female yellow flowers grow on the same plant. Female flowers bear a small swelling at the base, future fruit if pollination succeeds. Bees play an important role; Keep the flowers accessible and avoid treatments on open flowers. Poor pollination can explain the abortion of small fruits, even when foliage appears healthy.

Fruiting

Check several ripeness signs together: the tendril nearest the fruit has dried, the ground spot has turned cream to yellow and the rind looks less glossy. Watermelon does not become sweeter after picking, so let it ripen on the vine. Cut the stem rather than pulling the fruit, wash the rind before slicing and refrigerate cut flesh promptly.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Marigolds, nasturtiums and other low flowers along the edge of the bed can provide resources for pollinators. Keep them out of the vines so fruit remains accessible. Nearby plants must not shade the crop or compete heavily for water. Warm soil, full sun and adequate spacing are more important than any claimed companion-planting effect.

Plants to avoid

Avoid tall or vigorous neighbours that shade the vines or compete strongly for water. Rotate with crops outside the Cucurbitaceae family and maintain good air circulation through the foliage. Companion planting does not replace disease prevention or pest monitoring.

Garden use

Wash the rind, then cut a fully ripe watermelon with a clean knife. Cube the flesh for fruit salad with cucumber, culinary mint and lime juice. Refrigerate cut fruit in a covered container and use it promptly. Never substitute pennyroyal for culinary mint.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Reported toxicity

Yes

Supporting wildlife

Yellow flowers are visited by bees and other pollinators. Their activity helps to form regular fruits. Leave the flowers open, remove the protections when they open and preserve a variety of flowers around the vegetable garden.

Frequently asked questions

How many 'Will's Sugar' Watermelon seeds are in the packet?

The Gaia packet contains 20 seeds. Store unused Will’s Sugar watermelon seed in its labelled packet in a cool, dry, dark place.

How long do 'Will's Sugar' Watermelon seeds take to germinate?

Emergence generally takes about 3 to 10 days in good conditions at approximately 27 to 30 °C (81 to 86 °F). Keep the growing medium evenly moist but never waterlogged, and provide bright light as soon as seedlings emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.