Single Leelanau Sweetglo Watermelon with quartered slice on a white background.
Watermelon Seeds, Leelanau Sweetglo
Leelanau Sweetglo Watermelon with juice and melon balls on dark blue background.
Woman holding a freshly harvested and cut Leelanau Sweetglo Watermelon at the Baker Creek trial farm.
Fresh cut Leelanau Sweetglo Watermelon growing in the field at the Baker Creek trial farm in California.
Single Leelanau Sweetglo Watermelon with quartered slice on a white background.
Watermelon Seeds, Leelanau Sweetglo
Leelanau Sweetglo Watermelon with juice and melon balls on dark blue background.
Woman holding a freshly harvested and cut Leelanau Sweetglo Watermelon at the Baker Creek trial farm.
Fresh cut Leelanau Sweetglo Watermelon growing in the field at the Baker Creek trial farm in California.

Watermelon Seeds,
Leelanau Sweetglo

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Description

(Citrullus lanatus). The sugar-sweet, tangerine flesh of this one will knock your socks off! Perhaps the most perfectly flavored watermelon we have tried! In 2008, Mike Kiessel, watermelon expert of Leelanau County, Michigan, decided to cross the Orangeglo watermelon with a Crimson Sweet. After years of selecting and perfecting, the Leelanau Sweetglo has completely won our hearts and triumphed at our annual tasting trials! A favorite early-maturing, orange-fleshed variety excellent for northern growing.

Growing Tips: Leelanau Sweetglo thrives in northern climates with shorter summers but still performs well in warmer zones. Select a site with full sun and loose, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and reduce weed pressure. Keep fruits off the ground using straw or melon cradles to prevent rot.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Citrullus lanatus
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–10
Days to Maturity
75–85
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 after soil temperatures reach 70°F. Transplant outdoors only after the last frost has passed and nights remain consistently above 55°F. 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 hill, 1 inch deep, in mounded soil for improved drainage. Space hills 3–4 feet apart and thin to one strong seedling per hill. For row planting, space plants 3–4 feet apart in rows 5–6 feet apart. Avoid planting in soil where other cucurbits were grown the previous season.

How to Grow

Water deeply once or twice per week depending on rainfall, and reduce watering as fruits mature. Apply balanced organic fertilizer at planting and again when vines start running. Use row covers to protect seedlings from pests early on, removing them when flowering begins to allow pollination.

How to Save Seeds

  • Allow fruit to ripen fully and cure on the vine before harvesting.
  • 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

Is Leelanau Sweetglo a good watermelon for cooler climates?

Yes, Leelanau Sweetglo was specifically developed for shorter seasons, making it ideal for northern climates. It matures quickly and produces sweet, high-quality fruit even with a limited growing window.

How large do Leelanau Sweetglo watermelons get?

Fruits typically range from 10 to 20 pounds, making them a manageable size for home gardens while still providing generous yields and the classic oblong watermelon shape.

Can I grow Leelanau Sweetglo in containers?

Due to its vining nature and medium fruit size, this variety is better suited to garden beds or large raised beds. However, it may work in large containers with proper support and space.

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