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Crimson Sweet watermelons are not seedless.
They are a classic heirloom variety known for their sweet, juicy red flesh and those familiar black seeds.
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Are Crimson Sweet watermelons seedless?”, the short answer is no.
Crimson Sweet watermelons contain seeds, and that’s actually a big part of their old-school charm.
In this post, we’ll explore why Crimson Sweet watermelons are not seedless, what kind of seeds you’ll find inside, and how they compare to the seedless varieties you see at the grocery store.
Let’s dig in.
Are Crimson Sweet Watermelons Seedless? The Real Answer
Crimson Sweet watermelons are not seedless, and they never have been.
This variety was developed at Kansas State University back in the 1960s, and it’s been a favorite among home gardeners ever since because of its reliable growth and incredible sweetness.
When you cut open a Crimson Sweet watermelon, you’ll typically find dark brown or black seeds scattered throughout the flesh.
Sometimes you’ll also spot a few white, immature seeds, but those are just seeds that didn’t fully develop.
They’re still seeds, just not fully formed ones.
So if you’re specifically looking for a seedless watermelon, Crimson Sweet isn’t the one.
But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth growing or eating.
In fact, many people prefer seeded watermelons like Crimson Sweet because they tend to be sweeter and more flavorful than their seedless counterparts.
1. Crimson Sweet Is a Seeded Heirloom Variety
Crimson Sweet watermelons are a seeded variety through and through.
They belong to the Citrullus lanatus species, just like all other watermelons, but they haven’t been genetically manipulated to produce sterile fruit.
Seedless watermelons are actually created through a complex breeding process that involves crossing different ploidy levels.
Crimson Sweet, on the other hand, is open-pollinated and produces viable seeds that you can even save and plant next season.
That’s one of the things that makes Crimson Sweet watermelons so appealing to gardeners who want a self-sustaining crop.
2. The Seeds Are Part of the Experience
For many folks, spitting out watermelon seeds is a nostalgic summer tradition.
Crimson Sweet watermelons give you that full experience with their large, dark seeds.
Are Crimson Sweet watermelons seedless? No, and honestly, that’s part of what makes them special.
The seeds are easy to spot and easy to remove if you prefer a seed-free bite.
You can simply slice around them or scoop them out with a spoon before serving.
And if you’re making watermelon juice or sorbet, you can strain the seeds out after blending.
3. Seedless Watermelons Are a Different Beast
Seedless watermelons are not completely seedless either, by the way.
They contain tiny, white, undeveloped seed coats that are soft enough to eat.
These watermelons are produced by crossing a diploid watermelon with a tetraploid one, resulting in a triploid plant that can’t produce viable seeds.
Crimson Sweet watermelons don’t go through that process.
They’re pollinated naturally and produce fully formed seeds.
So when you ask if Crimson Sweet watermelons are seedless, the answer is a firm no, and that’s totally fine.
Why Crimson Sweet Watermelons Are Still Worth Growing
Even though Crimson Sweet watermelons are not seedless, they’re still one of the best watermelons you can grow.
Here’s why:
1. Exceptional Sweetness and Flavor
Crimson Sweet watermelons are known for their high sugar content, often reaching 10% or more on the Brix scale.
That translates to a melon that’s incredibly sweet and refreshing.
The flesh is bright red, firm, and juicy, making it perfect for fresh eating, fruit salads, and smoothies.
Many gardeners say Crimson Sweet watermelons outshine seedless varieties in taste.
2. Disease Resistance and Easy Growth
Crimson Sweet watermelons are resistant to fusarium wilt and anthracnose, two common diseases that plague watermelon plants.
That makes them a great choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
They thrive in warm weather and need plenty of sunshine and water to reach their full potential.
And because they’re not seedless, you can save the seeds from your best melons and plant them again next year.
3. Perfect Size for Sharing
Crimson Sweet watermelons typically weigh between 15 and 25 pounds.
That’s a nice, manageable size for a family or a small gathering.
They’re round to oval in shape with light green skin and dark green stripes.
And when you cut one open, you’ll see that deep red flesh that makes them so iconic.
So yes, Crimson Sweet watermelons are not seedless, but they’re still a fantastic choice for anyone who loves a classic, sweet watermelon.
So, Are Crimson Sweet Watermelons Seedless?
Crimson Sweet watermelons are not seedless.
They are a seeded heirloom variety with dark, viable seeds that you can eat around or remove.
If you’re looking for a seedless watermelon, you’ll need to choose a different variety like Sugar Baby or Triple Crown.
But if you want a watermelon that’s sweet, reliable, and full of old-fashioned flavor, Crimson Sweet watermelons are hard to beat.
They may not be seedless, but they’re definitely delicious.