We all have the look of a classic watermelon memorized: oval-shaped, striped green outside, bright pinkish-red on the inside. It’s such a common sight in the summer that we often don’t think about the fact that this isn’t the only kind of watermelon…in fact, far from it!
One of the greatest watermelons that often get overlooked is the orange crisp watermelon. Read on to discover everything you need to know about this unique, exciting watermelon!
Characteristics of the Orange Crisp Watermelon
Let’s go over the appearance, taste, and traits of this unique plant!
Appearance of the Orange Crisp Watermelon
The orange crisp watermelon may look similar to a classic watermelon on the outside—although it can be smaller in stature compared to its red-hearted cousin—but the inside is where you find the difference!
The inside of the orange crisp watermelon is exactly that—orange and crisp. The inside shimmers in shades that vary between fruits; all of them are some shade of orange, but some are lighter, closer to an orange sherbet color, and others are closer to sunset orange.
Taste of the Orange Crisp Watermelon
The orange crisp watermelon doesn’t only get its name from its color; its flavor is described as “crisp” and exquisitely fresh, said to be sweet to the taste and incredible to smell.
In every listing of its seeds or discussion of the fruit itself, those commenting on it never fail to mention its flavor. If you’re hoping to wow guests at your next summer soiree, pool party, or garden gathering, the orange crisp watermelon is the perfect choice to blow their taste buds away!
Orange Crisp Watermelon Plant Traits
Like I mentioned, the orange crisp watermelon can be smaller than classic watermelons; it can also grow as either an oval-shaped fruit or a round one. Its weight varies between 14-18 pounds, so while it’s still a weighty fruit, you shouldn’t have any trouble lugging it into your kitchen to chop up for your next fruit bowl.
These plants are known for producing large, consistent harvests every time, so you’re not likely to be disappointed if you choose this variety to grace your garden this year.
They also last for a long time after you’ve harvested them, so you don’t need to rush your way through eating them all when the season is over—this has the secondary benefit of allowing you to enjoy watermelon long after you normally would have to say a mournful goodbye to this summer treat!
When you’re first getting these plants going, you want to make sure they’re watered well in order to support their early growth; however, it’s recommended to limit water close to the fruits’ harvest date, as too much water for watermelons can actually rob the fruits of their widely lauded flavor. Because of this need for early and consistent watering, you’ll want to make sure you choose a soil that drains well.
You’ll also need to be careful to water properly; if watermelon plants get too wet on their leaves, they can develop diseases such as powdery mildew, which is the last thing you want to see on your beautiful orange crisp watermelon plants!
Uses for the Orange Crisp Watermelon
Snacking
As mentioned, these watermelons are perfect all on their own without extra culinary effort extended on your part. You can simply cube them up and toss them in a bowl with an assortment of other fruits, or you can mix them with other kinds of watermelon to create a symphony of different watermelon flavors!
This is also a great option for a special “summer vacation” treat for your kids…AKA, a way to get them to eat fruit every day without getting upset about it. Even the pickiest of eaters will delight in this watermelon’s snappy texture and incredible flavor.
Desserts
Watermelon is an absolutely fantastic choice for summertime desserts. You can use it to create watermelon sorbet, watermelon popsicles, watermelon salads, and even watermelon gelato!
There are plenty of ways to infuse watermelon into desserts and other dishes, and the best part is that they stay light and refreshing without an overload of sugar or heavier ingredients.
They’re also a big hit with kids and adults alike, so they’re sure to please whether you’re hosting a kid’s birthday party or a late-night fireworks viewing. (After all, what holiday is more commonly associated with watermelon than Fourth of July?)
Drinks
I’m not done yet—watermelon isn’t only here for dessert and snacking! It’s also a great ingredient to add to refreshing summer beverages. Watermelon smoothies are a classic hit, but they’re also a great way to add an extra note of flavor to your lemonade recipe.
You can also make watermelon juice by itself, or add a splash of watermelon juice to your favorite cocktails. My favorite choice for this is a watermelon mint mojito or a watermelon rum cocktail!
When is the Orange Crisp Watermelon in season?
These watermelons mature after about 90 days, so even the earliest possible planting won’t see them being harvested until the middle of summer or so.
The harvest season can stretch from the middle of summer into the early fall months, and the fruit will keep for some time after being harvested, so you could potentially have watermelons available to you well into autumn! It’ll be a great way to keep a little piece of summer with you for a bit longer.
Where is the Orange Crisp Watermelon grown?
Like most watermelons, you can grow orange crisp watermelons just about anywhere in the US, as long as you don’t live in an area where the final frost of the season and the first frost of the next are too close together to allow the fruit to reach maturity in time.
Where to Buy Orange Crisp Watermelon Seeds
If you want to grow these watermelons yourself, no problem—just jump over to Amazon and buy a pack of seeds to get your garden started!
Final Thoughts on the Orange Crisp Watermelon
Based on the rave reviews from all who are lucky enough to sample these watermelons, you need the orange crisp watermelon in your life this upcoming summer. Buy some seeds, clear out a plot in your backyard, and get ready to plant!
If you’re in need of more watermelon growing guides, more varieties of watermelon to put on your radar, or anything else watermelon-related, take a look at our watermelon page!