Are Crimson Sweet Watermelons Seedless?
Crimson Sweet watermelons are not seedless. They are a classic seeded variety prized for their deep red, sugary flesh. However, they do contain fewer seeds and smaller seeds than many older watermelon types, which is why some people mistake them for seedless.
What Is a Crimson Sweet Watermelon?
Crimson Sweet is an heirloom watermelon variety developed in the 1960s. It has a round to slightly oval shape with light green rind and dark green stripes. The flesh is bright red, firm, and very sweet — typically measuring 12-14% sugar content. These melons usually weigh between 15 and 25 pounds.
Gardeners love Crimson Sweet because it resists common diseases like Fusarium wilt and anthracnose. It also adapts well to different climates. But the biggest draw is the flavor: many people consider it one of the sweetest watermelons you can grow.
How Many Seeds Does a Crimson Sweet Watermelon Have?
Like all seeded watermelons, Crimson Sweet contains multiple seeds scattered through the flesh. But compared to older varieties like Black Diamond or Charleston Gray, Crimson Sweet has notably fewer seeds and the seeds are smaller and lighter in color.
Typical seed count per melon:
- Crimson Sweet — 200 to 400 seeds (approximate)
- Standard seeded watermelon — 300 to 500 seeds
- Seedless watermelon — 0 seeds (but may have occasional white, sterile seed coats)
So while Crimson Sweet is not seedless, it is one of the least-seedy seeded watermelons you can buy or grow.
Are There Seedless Versions of Crimson Sweet?
No true seedless version of Crimson Sweet exists. Seed companies do sell "seedless" watermelons, but those are triploid hybrids created by crossing different parent varieties. The flavor of seedless varieties is generally good, but many watermelon fans insist that seeded types like Crimson Sweet taste sweeter and more intense.
If you want seedless convenience, look for varieties like Seedless Crimson or Seedless Sugar Baby — but keep in mind these are not genetically the same as Crimson Sweet. They offer a similar shape and color but lack the full flavor profile of the original.
What Is the Best Way to Eat a Crimson Sweet Watermelon?
Because Crimson Sweet has seeds, you have a few options for eating it:
- Slice and pick out the seeds as you go — classic picnic style.
- Cut into cubes and remove seeds with a knife or your fingers.
- Use a watermelon seed remover tool to quickly deseed larger amounts for fruit salad or juice.
Many people find that Crimson Sweet’s firm flesh holds up well to cubing, so it’s excellent for salads, smoothies, or grilling. The seeds are edible too, though usually discarded. If you want to save seeds for planting, choose seeds from a fully ripe melon.
How Does Crimson Sweet Compare to Seedless Varieties?
Here’s a quick comparison table to help you decide which type fits your needs:
| Feature | Crimson Sweet (Seeded) | Typical Seedless Watermelon |
|---|---|---|
| Seed count | 200-400 seeds (small, few) | 0 seeds (may have white seed coats) |
| Flavor | Very sweet, classic watermelon taste | Slightly less intense, but still sweet |
| Texture | Firm, crisp, and juicy | Slightly more watery and less firm |
| Growing difficulty | Easy, good disease resistance | Harder — requires specific pollination |
| Price per melon | Often cheaper | Usually more expensive |
| Seed saving | Yes, heirloom seeds can be saved | No viable seeds for replanting |
If you prioritize flavor and want to grow your own, Crimson Sweet wins. If convenience matters most and you dislike spitting seeds, a seedless variety might be better for you.
Tips for Growing Crimson Sweet Watermelons at Home
Crimson Sweet is a great choice for home gardeners. Here’s a quick checklist for success:
- Plant after last frost — soil temperature should be 70°F or warmer.
- Give plenty of space — each plant needs about 5-6 feet in all directions.
- Use well-drained soil with compost or aged manure mixed in.
- Water consistently — 1-2 inches per week, but reduce when melons are ripening.
- Fertilize lightly — too much nitrogen causes lush vines but few fruits.
- Harvest when the tendril closest to the melon is brown and dry — also check the ground spot (should be creamy yellow).
Crimson Sweet matures in about 80-85 days. With proper care one plant can yield 2-4 melons.
If you're serious about growing, a watermelon seed starting kit can help you get strong seedlings indoors before transplanting outside. For mature plants, a plant trellis support system keeps vines off the ground and reduces rot.
Where Can You Buy Crimson Sweet Watermelon Seeds or Plants?
Crimson Sweet seeds are widely available. Look for them at local garden centers, farm supply stores, or online seed retailers. Many companies sell organic or heirloom versions. Plants (seedlings) may also be available in spring at nurseries in warmer regions.
When buying seeds, check the package for days to maturity (should be around 80) and any disease resistance notes. Crimson Sweet is a public domain variety, so many sellers offer it at low prices.
If you want to save money and grow from saved seeds, choose melons from a farm or garden that you know grew true to type. Cross-pollination with other watermelons can change the next generation.
For bulk seed purchases (if you're planting a big patch), a seed packet assortment might include Crimson Sweet along with other popular varieties.
Do Seedless Watermelons Taste Better Than Crimson Sweet?
Most taste tests give the edge to seeded heirlooms like Crimson Sweet. Seedless watermelons have been bred for convenience, not necessarily maximum sweetness. Crimson Sweet regularly scores higher in blind taste tests for its intense natural sugar and firmer texture.
But taste is personal. If you grow up on seedless melons, you might prefer the lighter texture. If you want the most intense watermelon experience, go with Crimson Sweet. Many restaurants and juice bars still use seeded watermelons for their richer flavor.
Can You Reduce the Seeds in a Crimson Sweet Watermelon?
Not really — the number of seeds is determined by genetics and pollination. But you can make the seeds less noticeable by cutting the melon into small cubes or wedges. The seeds in Crimson Sweet are small and clustered mainly in the center, so you can scoop out the seeded core and enjoy the seed-free outer flesh.
If you want a tool to speed up deseeding, a watermelon seed remover tool works well for cubing. Or simply cut the melon lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape away the seed zone.
Is Crimson Sweet a Good Choice for Seed Savers?
Absolutely. Because Crimson Sweet is an open-pollinated heirloom (not a hybrid), you can save the seeds from one year to the next and get identical melons — as long as other watermelon varieties don't cross-pollinate with it. Seed saving helps you become more self-sufficient and preserves the variety for future generations.
To save seeds properly:
- Let the melon fully ripen on the vine.
- Scoop out the seeds and rinse them in a strainer.
- Dry them on a paper towel for a week in a warm, airy spot.
- Store in a paper envelope in a cool, dark place.
Crimson Sweet seeds remain viable for 3-5 years if stored correctly.
In summary, Crimson Sweet is a seeded watermelon with fewer seeds than most — not a seedless variety. It delivers outstanding flavor, good disease resistance, and easy growing. If you're okay with a few small seeds, it's one of the best watermelons you can eat or grow.