Yellow Flesh
Amarillo Watermelon is a yellow seedless watermelon that delivers genuine sweetness in a compact plant, reaching harvest in just 82 days from transplants. Hardy across zones 3 through 11, this F1 hybrid produces melons that stand apart with their striking yellow flesh and seedless character. The variety thrives in warm conditions and responds well to plastic mulch and row covers, especially in northern gardens where the extra heat accelerates ripening and boosts yields.
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Moderate
3-11
?in H x ?in W
Annual
Moderate
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Yellow flesh with genuine sweetness distinguishes this seedless hybrid from traditional red watermelons, offering a refreshing novelty for home gardeners. The compact growth habit means it doesn't sprawl across the garden, while the 82-day maturity keeps you harvesting well before frost. Northern gardeners find success here thanks to its responsiveness to season-extending techniques like plastic mulch and row covers, which warm the soil and encourage vigorous growth.
Amarillo Watermelon is grown primarily for fresh eating. The yellow flesh and seedless character make it convenient for slicing and serving chilled, without the bother of spitting out seeds. The melon's sweetness suits it well to raw consumption as a dessert or refreshing summer fruit.
Sow seeds indoors in late April or approximately one month before your intended transplant date, using 50-cell plug trays or 2- to 3-inch peat pots. Plant 2 seeds per cell or pot, pressing them about 1/2 to 1 inch deep into the soil. Maintain a temperature of 80 to 90°F (27 to 32°C) until germination occurs. Once seedlings emerge, reduce the temperature to 75°F (24°C) for healthy growth. Handle young plants with care and never allow the soil to dry out. About one week before transplanting, reduce both water and temperature to harden off the seedlings and prepare them for outdoor conditions.
Transplant outdoors only when the weather is frost-free, warm, and settled. Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart in rows spaced 6 to 8 feet apart. Ensure soil is warm and all frost danger has passed before moving seedlings to the garden.
Harvest Amarillo Watermelon when the melon reaches mature size and develops the pale yellow or cream underspot that indicates ripeness. The stem connecting the melon to the vine should become dry and corky at the base. At 82 days from transplanting, most fruits will be ready, though individual melons may mature slightly earlier or later depending on growing conditions and when transplants were set out.
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