Considering their delightful taste and refreshing juice, it’s no wonder that watermelons are a popular treat. Plus, with over 1,200 different species, there are numerous variations worth experiencing.
Take the sweet princess watermelon as an outstanding example! As its name implies, this type of melon deserves the royal treatment from anyone who loves fruit.
Let us convince you! Keep reading to learn all about the sweet princess and why it’s a watermelon fit for a fairy tale!
History/Facts About Sweet Princess Watermelons
Known scientifically as citrullus lanatus, watermelons originated in Africa. They were among the earliest fruits to be cultivated, especially in Sudan and other northeastern countries on the continent.
Because of trade around the African, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern regions, you’ll also find watermelons mentioned in ancient Greek, Latin, and Hebrew literature. There are even depictions of a similar-looking fruit on Egyptian tombs.
There’s little information on the development of sweet princess watermelons specifically, except that it was hybridized by the Agriculture Experiment Station in Raleigh, NC. It most closely resembles the Charleston Gray variety, which skyrocketed in popularity soon after its introduction to the U.S. market in the 1950s.
Characteristics of Sweet Princess Watermelons
Appearance
Sweet princess watermelons have a distinctive oblong shape and a smooth, pale, yellowish-green rind, often with subtle, dark green marbling. The inner flesh is soft and bright pinkish-red with small black seeds.
Size
On average, these watermelons reach fifteen inches in length and an eight-inch circumference. Also, depending on how juicy they are, they usually weigh between 20 and 30 pounds.
Taste
True to its name, the sweet princess watermelon has a sweet, luscious taste and a light, crispy texture. The fruit is juicy, easily revitalizing you when you’re hot and tired.
Recipes with Sweet Princess Watermelons
There’s practically no end to the kinds of salads that could be improved with chunks of sweet princess watermelons. However, you may be surprised at what else you can make with them! Here are a few ideas.
Gazpacho
Watermelon is popular as a summer treat. With its refreshing coolness, gazpacho is the perfect way to augment a sweet princess watermelon’s naturally crisp texture and scrumptious flavor.
Fries
If you’ve been looking for a healthy yet satisfying alternative to potato french fries, this is it! To make sweet princess watermelon fries, just slice up the flesh, throw in some spice, and dip them in a yogurt or sauce of your choice.
Noodles
Sweet princess watermelon pairs unexpectedly well with savory and tangy flavors, so you should consider this noodle recipe with chili and lime. It also has mint and basil, which both complement the watermelon’s flavor.
Health Benefits
Though sweet princess watermelons are delicious, they are also good for you. They’re a fantastic addition to your diet if you’re trying to eat healthier without sacrificing pleasure.
Here are a few particular health benefits you can enjoy from eating watermelon!
Phosphorus
Since phosphorus is responsible for producing DNA and RNA–the very building blocks of your body–you simply can’t function without it. Phosphorus is also vital for growing and healing your tissues and cells. All watermelons are noted for their richness in this nutrient.
Potassium
Your heart, nervous system, and bodily fluids all depend on potassium for regulation and support. With the right amount, you’ll enjoy moderate blood pressure, healthy heartbeats, and muscle functioning. There’s plenty of it in watermelons.
Water
Hydration is essential for maintaining energy, strengthening the immune system, ensuring mental clarity, supporting proper cell growth, and many other functions. Water makes up most of the weight in watermelons, so it’s a delicious way to stay hydrated.
For even more information about how and why watermelon is good for you, read our blog post on the Health Benefits of Watermelon.
Growing Sweet Princess Watermelons at Home
Would you like to have sweet princess watermelons right in your own yard? Luckily, they’re easy to grow. Just take our advice!
Planting
The seeds get their best start if planted when outdoor temperatures hover around 55°F, so early spring is ideal. Choose well-drained soil, preferably on a hillside, so the soil will likely remain cool and moist but not saturated. The watermelons need to be planted in a full-sun location. Space the seeds about 2-4 feet apart from each other.
We’ve got a detailed Watermelon Planting Guide to help you with this part!
Watermelon Care
In the first few weeks of planting, make sure your sweet princess watermelons receive about two inches of water every week, either through rain or an irrigation system. They will also thrive with a monthly application of a high-nitrogen fertilizer or compost.
As the fruit grows, turn it over every few days to prevent rotting. Prune the vines if the fruit isn’t growing as large as you’d like; this frees up more water and nutrients for the watermelons.
Read our Watermelon Growing Guide for more information!
Pests & Diseases
Sweet princess watermelons are pest- and disease-resistant, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to them. Use stinging nettles to make a natural pesticide to repel insects watermelon pests, like thrips, aphids, beetles, grasshoppers, and spider mites.
To best protect your sweet princess watermelons, use our guides on Watermelon Pests and Common Watermelon Diseases!
Harvesting
Sweet princess watermelons take around 80 to 100 days to ripen after planting. Once the vines nearest the stems start browning and the undersides are yellowing, it’s time to harvest. If you’re not sure they’re ripe enough, give them a few gentle thumps. A hollow sound means they’re ready.
Take the guesswork out by reading our guide on Identifying Ripe Watermelons!
With a chef knife or a harvesting knife (like the one we found on Amazon), cut the stems from the vines. Store the watermelons in a cool, humid area until you decide to slice and eat them.
Look at our article about Harvesting Watermelons for more advice!
Where to Buy Sweet Princess Watermelons
You may be able to find fully grown sweet princess watermelons at local grocery stores, especially big chains like Walmart. Farmers’ markets are another place to scope out this tasty melon.
Of course, growing your own is the best guarantee of enjoying sweet princess watermelons each summer. The seeds are available for purchasing online. We recommend the selection available at one of our favorite seed retailers, True Leaf Market — the sweet princess is just one of many watermelon varieties they sell!
Try a Sweet Princess Watermelon!
Get some sweet princess watermelons or their seeds as soon as you can. Once you take a bite from one, you’ll see why they’re worth your time and effort!
In general, watermelons are a remarkable fruit. To learn more about them and how to grow them yourself, visit our Watermelon Plants page for more blog posts and helpful guides!