Are you on a quest to grow the tastiest watermelons? If so, you need to check out the Allsweet watermelon variety.
Keep reading to discover all you need to know about this mouthwatering fruit. Plus, learn more about how to grow the best watermelons at home.
What is the Allsweet Watermelon?
Allsweet watermelons are large fruits that can weigh nearly 30 pounds at harvest. The plump, oblong melons have striped green rinds and bright red flesh.
This scrumptious watermelon is an heirloom variety that delivers a superb flavor profile. If you are growing watermelons for taste, then it is the variety for you.
This watermelon variety is from a sister lineage to the widely popular Crimson Sweet watermelon. The Allsweet watermelon is sweeter and has a more complex flavor profile than the Crimson Sweet.
The excellent flavor comes with a tradeoff regarding texture. The flesh of the Allsweet watermelon is not as firm as the Crimson Sweet, so it is less suitable for balling.
Is the Allsweet the Sweetest Watermelon?
The sweetest watermelons by sugar content are the Pony Yellow and Super Gold varieties. These are both yellow-fleshed watermelons, which tend to have more sugar than their red-fleshed counterparts.
Do you want classic, super-sweet watermelons with green rinds and red flesh? The sweetest red cultivars are Sultan and Summer Sweet watermelons.
You might struggle to grow these watermelons in your backyard. They are commercial varieties, and the seeds are not readily available for purchase.
The Allsweet watermelon is an heirloom variety you can grow at home that closely approximates the coveted Summer Sweet watermelon.
This is the sweetest heirloom watermelon that offers the rich and aromatic watermelon flavor you love. Try Allsweet watermelon in your favorite melon recipes to take them to the next level.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Watermelons
Watermelons come in many different varieties, each grown for specific purposes. This is because some key characteristics that make watermelons desirable come with tradeoffs in other areas.
The most popular watermelon variety for home gardens is the Crimson Sweet. This is a tasty fruit with firm flesh that is suitable for many culinary applications.
The Allsweet watermelon is sweeter and more flavorful than the Crimson Sweet watermelon, but it has softer flesh. You can slice and ball these watermelons for many recipes, but they might not keep their shape.
Allsweet watermelons are a favorite in smoothies and mixed drinks. The super sweet watermelon flavor and smooth texture make a delightful combination in blended beverages.
Try fresh watermelons in this tasty watermelon smoothie recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
If you want to use homegrown watermelon in the best light meal for a hot summer day, you must try gazpacho. Gazpacho is a cold blended soup that originated in Spain.
This watermelon gazpacho recipe from The Food Network contrasts the natural sweetness of ripe watermelons with spicy chilies, herbs, and tangy feta cheese. The result is a complex and nutritious soup that the whole family will enjoy.
Do you want to incorporate your homegrown watermelons in a refreshing adult beverage? Try this tantalizing Spicy Watermelon Margarita recipe for a unique take on one of the classics.
Where to Buy Allsweet Watermelons
Allsweet watermelons are an heirloom variety you probably won’t find at the supermarket. Instead, you should explore your local farmers’ market or specialty grocery store.
The best way to get your hands on Allsweet watermelons is by growing them yourself. You can purchase quality Allsweet watermelon seeds online from one of our favorite seed retailers, True Leaf Market.
How to Grow Heirloom Watermelons
Before you start, you must learn the ins and outs of growing the best watermelon plants. Watermelon fruit quality and sweetness are significantly influenced by soil conditions, watering, and sunlight exposure.
Soil
Growing the most delicious watermelons starts with proper soil preparation. The perfect soil for watermelon plants is loamy and rich in key nutrients.
Spacing
Watermelon plants also need adequate space to stretch out their vines. Sow standard watermelon seeds around six feet apart for best results.
Pollination
Allsweet watermelons are open-pollinated heirloom varieties that require cross-pollination to reproduce. You can rely on natural pollinators if you live in an area with a healthy native population of bees and butterflies.
If your watermelon plants need extra help, you can hand-pollinate each flower to ensure successful fruiting. Use a cotton swab to collect pollen and spread it amongst mature blooms.
Pruning
Once your thriving watermelon plants start producing fruit, you can encourage quality crop development through careful pruning.
Try to minimize the number of fruits and sucker vines on each plant. Ideally, one plant should focus its fruiting energy on producing only three plump watermelons at a time.
As the fruits mature, carefully rotate them every few days. Doing so will prevent the bottom from rotting before the watermelon is fully ripe.
Harvesting
Keep an eye on your fruits so you can swoop in and harvest them as soon as they are ready. Check out this informative post to learn When a Watermelon is Ripe and ready to harvest.
FAQ
How big do Allsweet watermelons get?
Allsweet watermelon plants produce enormous fruits that are bursting with delicious flavor. These watermelons are oblong and average around 20 inches long.
These heirloom watermelons weigh over 25 pounds when they are mature. If they are well cared for and experience a long and warm growing season, these sweet orbs can grow to over 30 pounds.
Are Allsweet watermelons seedless?
These watermelons are an organic heirloom variety. This means that they are open-pollinated and not technically seedless fruits.
Despite not being considered seedless, Allsweet watermelons don’t contain many seeds. Unlike true seedless watermelons, the tiny seeds present in these watermelons are inedible.
All About the Allsweet Watermelon
Now that you know how to grow the sweetest watermelons at home, you likely can’t wait to get started. Sow organic Allsweet watermelon seeds this spring for the ultimate summer harvest.
You must understand everything that goes into growing high-quality watermelons to get the best results at harvest time. Explore our Watermelon Plants page to discover more about cultivating these tasty fruits.
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Max Loel is a seasoned writer with a unique life journey that spans across diverse landscapes.
Beyond the realm of words, Max has carved out a different kind of haven—a 15-acre homestead in the Midwest. This sanctum represents their testament to resilience and commitment to sustainable living.
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