Leelanau Sweetglo is an early-maturing orange-fleshed watermelon born from the vision of Michigan watermelon expert Mike Kiessel, who in 2008 crossed Orangeglo with Crimson Sweet to create something extraordinary. The sugar-sweet, tangerine-colored flesh is remarkable for its depth of flavor, earning consistent praise in tasting trials for being perhaps the most perfectly flavored watermelon available. Ready to harvest in 75-85 days, this heirloom cultivar excels in northern growing regions where the season is shorter, thriving in full sun with vining growth that needs 36 inches of space to sprawl.
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The tangerine flesh of Leelanau Sweetglo delivers a flavor so intense and sweet that it has won over even seasoned seed savers and tasting panels. This is the result of deliberate breeding work by a dedicated watermelon expert who spent years selecting and perfecting the cross between two prized varieties. Early maturity combined with superior flavor makes it a standout choice for gardeners in cooler climates who might otherwise struggle to ripen watermelons.
Leelanau Sweetglo is grown as a fresh eating watermelon, where its exceptional flavor is best appreciated simply sliced and enjoyed on its own. The orange flesh and sugar-sweet character make it a standout for summer desserts and refreshment, particularly valued by gardeners who want to grow the finest tasting fruit rather than the largest.
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Direct sow seeds into warm soil after all frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 70°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and water gently to keep soil consistently moist until germination occurs.
Leelanau Sweetglo watermelons are ready to harvest 75-85 days after planting. Look for a creamy yellow spot on the bottom where the melon rests on the soil, indicating full ripeness. The melon should feel heavy for its size, and thumping it produces a hollow, resonant sound. Cut the melon from the vine with a sharp knife rather than twisting, which can damage the plant.
No pruning is necessary for Leelanau Sweetglo. Allow the vining growth habit to sprawl naturally across the ground, or guide vines onto a sturdy trellis if space is limited. When trellised, provide supportive slings or soft ties to cradle developing fruit and prevent it from snapping off the vine.
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“In 2008, Mike Kiessel, a watermelon expert from Leelanau County, Michigan, undertook a breeding project that would result in a variety now celebrated as one of the finest flavored watermelons available. He crossed the Orangeglo watermelon with Crimson Sweet, deliberately blending two proven varieties to capture the best qualities of each. After years of careful selection and refinement, the Leelanau Sweetglo emerged as a stabilized cultivar that has triumphed in annual tasting trials and earned the devotion of seed catalogs and home gardeners alike. This variety represents the kind of patient, intentional breeding work that keeps watermelon genetics diverse and flavor-focused rather than purely commercial.”