Trio of Silver Yamato Watermelon with single half on a white background.
Silver Yamato Watermelon sliced with a paper crane on a dark blue background.
A whole Silver Yamato Watermelon with a quarter slice and melon balls in a wooden Japanese box on a jade background.
Sliced Silver Yamato Watermelon with a postcard from Japan on a jade background.
A man holding a freshly harvested halved Silver Yamato Watermelon in the Baker Creek trial farm in California.
A cut Silver Yamato Watermelon with a Japanese knife and watermelon shaped salt shakers on stone.
A Silver Yamato Watermelon broken in half and held against the bright blue California sky in the field.
A cut Silver Yamato Watermelon on a Japanese tray with watermelon shaped salt and pepper shakers.
Trio of Silver Yamato Watermelon with single half on a white background.
Silver Yamato Watermelon sliced with a paper crane on a dark blue background.
A whole Silver Yamato Watermelon with a quarter slice and melon balls in a wooden Japanese box on a jade background.
Sliced Silver Yamato Watermelon with a postcard from Japan on a jade background.
A man holding a freshly harvested halved Silver Yamato Watermelon in the Baker Creek trial farm in California.
A cut Silver Yamato Watermelon with a Japanese knife and watermelon shaped salt shakers on stone.
A Silver Yamato Watermelon broken in half and held against the bright blue California sky in the field.
A cut Silver Yamato Watermelon on a Japanese tray with watermelon shaped salt and pepper shakers.

Watermelon Seeds,
Silver Yamato

4.725 ReviewsSKU: #WM173Min. seed count: 15
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Description

(Citrullus lanatus). Extreme quality, texture, and flavor have made Silver Yamato an instant favorite in our trials. This snowy, silver-fleshed heirloom hails from Nara Prefecture, Japan. The flavor defies easy description; taste testers have noted a hint of citrus, notes of sweet Asian pear and an overall creamy finish, making a flavor experience that should not be missed! This is an early-maturing melon, great for a range of growing climates. The 6- to 10-pound fruit is perfect for the home gardener or market gardener. Just remember that this delicate heirloom treasure cracks more easily than shipping types.

Growing Tips: Silver Yamato watermelon thrives in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil enriched with compost or organic matter. Its sprawling vines need room to grow, so give it ample spacing. Mulch to preserve soil moisture and reduce weeds. The unique rind makes this a visually striking crop, perfect for home gardens and market displays.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Citrullus lanatus
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–10
Days to Maturity
80–90
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 your last frost date, or direct sow outdoors once soil temperatures reach 70°F. Transplant only after all danger of frost has passed. 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 at a depth of 1 inch. Space hills 3–4 feet apart with rows 5–6 feet apart. Once seedlings emerge, thin to the strongest plant. Choose a sunny location and amend the soil with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer before planting.

How to Grow

Water deeply 1–2 times weekly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Fertilize with compost or balanced organic fertilizer when vines begin to run and again at flowering. As fruit ripens, reduce watering slightly to concentrate sugars and improve flavor.

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

How big do Silver Yamato watermelons get?

Fruits generally range from 6 to 10 pounds, with a firm texture and high sugar content. Their manageable size and striking rind make them excellent for fresh eating or visual appeal.

Is Silver Yamato watermelon a hybrid or heirloom?

Silver Yamato is an open-pollinated heirloom variety from Japan. It breeds true to type and is ideal for seed saving in isolation from other watermelon types.

Can I grow Silver Yamato in cooler climates?

Yes, but gardeners in cooler regions should start seeds indoors and use black plastic mulch to warm the soil. It requires a full growing season of 80-90 frost-free days for best results.

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