Sliced stacked Charleston Gray Watermelon on white background.
Watermelon Seeds, Charleston Gray
Whole and sliced Charleston Gray Watermelon with watermelon jam on dark blue background.
Woman holding a Charleston Gray Watermelon just harvested at the Baker Creek trial farm in California.
Charleston Gray Watermelon sliced on wooden background.
Sliced stacked Charleston Gray Watermelon on white background.
Watermelon Seeds, Charleston Gray
Whole and sliced Charleston Gray Watermelon with watermelon jam on dark blue background.
Woman holding a Charleston Gray Watermelon just harvested at the Baker Creek trial farm in California.
Charleston Gray Watermelon sliced on wooden background.

Watermelon Seeds,
Charleston Gray

4.414 ReviewsSKU: #WM117Min. seed count: 25
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Description

(Citrullus lanatus). One of the best All-American watermelons of all time! Super sweet and full flavored! This popular variety dates to 1954. The long gray-green fruit grows to 20 to 40 lbs; the red flesh is virtually fiber-free and very tasty. Yields are very good, and melons are excellent for home or market.

Growing Tips: Charleston Gray watermelon performs best in warm climates with well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Provide ample space for its sprawling vines and use mulch to control weeds and retain moisture. Regular deep watering helps support large fruit development, but reduce watering as harvest nears to concentrate flavor and prevent cracking.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Citrullus lanatus
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–10
Days to Maturity
85–95
Planting Depth
1 in.
Plant Spacing
36–48 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost or direct sow once soil temperatures reach at least 70°F. This variety requires a long, warm growing season, making early starts in cooler regions essential. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow 2–3 seeds per mound, 1 inch deep, and space mounds 3–4 feet apart. Thin to the strongest seedling once true leaves emerge. If transplanting starts, handle roots gently and avoid disturbing them. Choose a sunny location with good air circulation and avoid planting near other cucurbits to reduce disease pressure.

How to Grow

Water deeply once or twice per week, depending on rainfall. Fertilize with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer when vines start to run and again at flowering. Keep fruits off bare soil using straw or melon cradles to reduce rot and pest damage. Harvest when the tendril nearest the fruit is dry and the belly spot turns creamy yellow.

How to Save Seeds

  • Choose fully ripe or overripe fruits from healthy, true-to-type plants.
  • Scoop seeds from the flesh and rinse in a strainer to remove pulp.
  • Spread seeds on a screen or paper towel in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight for 7-10 days.
  • Stir daily to ensure even drying.
  • Once completely dry, store in an labeled, airtight container in a cool, dark place.

FAQ

How big do Charleston Gray watermelons get?

Fruits can weigh between 20 and 40 pounds, making them one of the larger heirloom varieties. With plenty of space, water, and nutrients, they can reach full size reliably.

Can Charleston Gray watermelon resist disease?

Yes, this variety was bred for resistance to anthracnose and fusarium wilt, making it a strong performer in humid and disease-prone regions when paired with good crop rotation practices.

Is Charleston Gray good for home gardens or just commercial use?

While developed for commercial farming, Charleston Gray is equally well-suited for home gardeners thanks to its dependability, robust flavor, and excellent resistance to splitting and disease.

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