This annual has hairy spreading stems that form a scrambling or trailing habit. It has large dark green lobed leaves and the solitary yellow broad bell-shaped flowers appear during summer followed by large eatable fruit.

Hardiness zones 3 to 9

Citrullus lanatusis naturally found from tropical Africa to South Africa growing in grasslands and along the forest margins. It is also widely cultivated throughout the world and under ideal conditions it has become a weed.

It prefers an open a sunny position and grows in well-drained organic rich reliably moist soil with a pH range from 6.0 to 6.8 and is drought and heat tolerant but frost tender.

Watermelon is grown for its edible fruit and its spreading habit. It is grown in domestic vegetable gardens and can be trained over strong structures. It is also grown commercially in farms and the smaller varieties are planted in large pots or planter boxes. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions and establishes in one season and is used in cosmetics, toiletries for skin protection. Watermelon is used in fruit salads, watermelon soup and smoothies and is high in nutrients such as vitamin A., potassium, natural sugars and lycopene. ID 14

Note:
There are many cultivars, please contact your local nursery for available varieties.

Citrullus (SIT-ruh-lus) lanatus(la-NA-tus)

Cucurbitaceae(koo-ker-bih-TAY-see-ee)
Gourd or Pumpkin Family