Worried you won’t go through a whole regular-sized watermelon fast enough to enjoy it before it goes bad? Not the biggest fan of red watermelon, but love a mild melon flavor? Good news—there’s a watermelon out there for you.
The Yellow Petite watermelon is one of the best choices out there if you’re buying just for yourself, or for a specific recipe you don’t need much melon for. Read on to learn everything you need to know about Yellow Petite watermelons!
Characteristics of the Yellow Petite Watermelon
Let’s start by going over the appearance, taste, and traits of the Yellow Petite watermelon, including useful knowledge for home gardeners! Let’s jump right in!
The Appearance of the Yellow Petite Watermelon
Watermelons and other plants get their names for a reason, and the Yellow Petite watermelon is no exception. The second you get a look at this watermelon variety, you’ll know exactly why it was named the way it was.
These watermelons are perfectly compact, beautifully round, and full of bright yellow fruit just waiting for you to crack it open and dig in. The fruit is a gorgeous shade of gold that even most other yellow watermelons don’t manage to achieve; you’ll usually find that yellow watermelon is paler than this variety.
The outside is a bit closer to your typical watermelon, sporting irregular dark green and light green stripes. The dark green stripes tend to zigzag a bit in their shape; you could compare them to the shape of soundwaves!
Taste of Yellow Petite Watermelons
If you’re looking for something just a bit sweeter than your classic watermelon, the Yellow Petite watermelon is a perfect choice. All watermelons carry the same general flavor profile, but there are variations within different types, and the Yellow Petite version definitely leans more sugary-sweet. Most people describe it as a honeyed taste.
You’ll want to keep this added touch of sweetness in mind when using these watermelons in your recipes, as it might affect the overall flavor palette if you decide to substitute regular watermelon with Yellow Petites. Still, no matter what you choose to do with them, whether that’s cooking or snacking, you’re not going to be let down!
Yellow Petite Watermelon Plant Traits
One great benefit to eating yellow watermelon is that it happens to carry health benefits you would normally find in other plants, such as carrots because it carries a surplus of beta-carotene. Eating yellow watermelon could help up your beta-carotene intake, which in turn can assist in cancer prevention and overall eye health.
When it comes to growing these watermelons, you’re in for a treat. There’s a fairly quick harvest turnaround; they reach maturity in just a little over 60 days, so as long as you keep an eye on the timing of your seed planting, you should have these watermelons in your fridge well before the end of summer!
Uses for the Yellow Petite Watermelon
While you probably have your own idea of what watermelon can be used for, you might be surprised by the variety of recipes you can throw some yellow watermelon into!
Snacking
Of course, the classic function of watermelon, whether yellow or red or orange, is snacking. It’s easy-peasy to chop up one of these watermelons, fill a bowl with it, and nibble on it throughout the day. It’s a perfect summer afternoon snack for you or your kids.
Not only that, but you can use it as a low-effort party appetizer. If you decide to have guests over for a pool party, garden party, or another kind of summer shindig, a bowl of watermelon is a great way to feed your guests without having to slave away in your kitchen all morning.
Cooking
Watermelon isn’t just great for snacking; it’s also a great ingredient for meals.
You can make a fantastic, fresh summer salad with watermelon chunks mixed in, watermelon popsicles for your pickier kids who might not care for the texture of plain watermelon, dried watermelon chips, or watermelon jerky for those trying to eat a bit healthier without giving up their favorite snacks completely.
You can even make some watermelon cocktails if you’re looking to sweeten up your drink menu this summer!
When is the Yellow Petite Watermelon in season?
You’re most likely to be able to track down the Yellow Petite watermelon during the mid-to-late summer months, but it all depends on when they’re planted and when the final frost is in your area. As a general rule, it’s probably going to be difficult to track down watermelons in early spring or mid-fall onward into winter, so take full advantage during the warmer season!
Of course, if you want to be absolutely certain of what time of year you’ll be able to enjoy these fruits, your best bet is to invest and grow them yourself! After all, if they’re grown right in your own backyard, you can control the planting time and harvest time, as well as keep track of how many you’ll be able to harvest before the end of the season.
Growing Yellow Petite Watermelons at Home
Growing these watermelons at home isn’t too difficult, but there are a few things you want to keep an eye on. You want to be sure that you’re watering these plants enough, but watermelons are particularly susceptible to overwatering-induced diseases, such as downy mildew.
If you want to do your best to avoid overwatering, try this drip irrigation system from Hoss Tools. It’s the best way to prevent overwatering and the onset of disease.
Where to Buy Yellow Petite Watermelon Seeds
You want to be careful about buying your garden seeds online; it can be easy to end up ordering from businesses that aren’t reputable. We trust True Leaf Market as one of the best vendors for all kinds of seeds, including Yellow Petite Watermelon Seeds!
Final Thoughts on the Yellow Petite Watermelon
Now you’re equipped with everything you need to know to grow, purchase, and enjoy some Yellow Petite Watermelons! If you’re ambitious about growing your own fruits, you can’t go wrong with the Yellow Petite!
Looking for more information on growing your own watermelons? Take a look at our Watermelon Page now!
- About the Author
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Cassidy Eubanks is a proud Michigander, an avid reader, a lover of colorful gardens, and a writer for Minneopa Orchards.
After earning her bachelor’s in Creative Writing (partially through virtual learning, thanks to the pandemic), gardening gave her an excuse to get outside and get away from all the screens. With a particular love for decorating with colorful flowers, using herbs grown in her own garden, and finding creative ways to build big gardens in small spaces, Cassidy enjoys helping others learn about growing their own food, flowers, and trees through Minneopa Orchards!