Single Refined Sugar Watermelon with quarter slice removed on a white background.
A cut Refined Sugar Watermelon on top of a barrel against a light background.
Refined Sugar Watermelon cut in field at the Baker Creek trial farm in California.
An uncut Refined Sugar Watermelon rests on top of a barrel against a light background.
Overhead view of a cut Refined Sugar Watermelon on a wooden table.
Single Refined Sugar Watermelon with quarter slice removed on a white background.
A cut Refined Sugar Watermelon on top of a barrel against a light background.
Refined Sugar Watermelon cut in field at the Baker Creek trial farm in California.
An uncut Refined Sugar Watermelon rests on top of a barrel against a light background.
Overhead view of a cut Refined Sugar Watermelon on a wooden table.

Watermelon Seeds,
Refined Sugar

51 ReviewSKU: #WM186Min. seed count: 25
Price
Regular price $4.00
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Description

One of the sweetest watermelons you’ll ever try, with rich flavor that begs to be eaten right out of the patch. Refined Sugar is an old variety from the former USSR, early to ripen and brimming with natural sweetness. It’s perfect fresh on a hot day, or for making nardek, the old watermelon molasses once cooked down in village kitchens across Eastern Europe. Made by pressing the juice and simmering it slowly until it thickened into a dark, honey-like syrup, this staple sweetener was spread on bread, stirred into tea, or saved for winter. A melon that brings both pure summer eating and a taste of old-world tradition.

Growing Tips: 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

Questions?

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