Jubilee Watermelon is an American classic that earned its place in gardens across the country since its introduction in the early 1960s by the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station. This heirloom variety produces long, oval-shaped melons with deep red, intensely sweet and crisp flesh that rank among the best-tasting watermelons available. The vining plants thrive in hot climates and maritime regions, reaching maturity in 90-99 days and producing melons weighing 10-30 pounds. Hardy from zones 3 to 13, Jubilee performs best in full sun and moderate moisture, making it both heat-tolerant and resilient.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-13
18in H x 72in W
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High
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Jubilee has been one of America's most beloved watermelons for over 60 years, and for good reason: the flesh is remarkably sweet and crisp with a deep red color that signals peak ripeness. The variety tolerates both Anthracnose and Fusarium Wilt, two serious watermelon diseases, giving it genuine resistance where it counts. Each plant yields 3-5 medium to large melons over the season, and the oblong shape and substantial size make these melons visually impressive in the garden.
Jubilee is primarily grown for fresh eating, where the sweet, crisp red flesh shines when sliced and served chilled on hot summer days. The variety excels as a picnic melon, true to its catalog designation, with substantial size and excellent flavor that makes it rewarding to cut and share. The low acidity and exceptional sweetness also make Jubilee exceptional for fresh juice, a traditional use particularly valued in Southern cooking traditions.
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Direct sow Jubilee seeds in the garden after soil has warmed and frost danger has passed, typically when soil reaches at least 70°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, and they will sprout within 5-10 days under warm conditions.
Jubilee melons reach harvest readiness in 90-99 days from planting. Pick melons when the skin has developed a deep blue-green color and the waxy coating on the underside (where it rested on the ground) has turned from white or pale yellow to a creamy tan or buff color. The melon should feel heavy for its size and produce a hollow sound when thumped firmly on the side. Cut the melon from the vine using a sharp knife rather than pulling, which can damage the plant.
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“Jubilee was developed in Leesburg, Florida, in the early 1960s by the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station through deliberate crossing of three parent varieties: Africa 8, Iowa Belle, and Garrison. This carefully orchestrated breeding program created a melon that combined the best traits of its predecessors, and the variety was introduced around 1963. The name itself reflects the celebratory spirit of the era, and the melon became a symbol of Southern garden tradition and American watermelon heritage. Louisiana farmers adopted Jubilee in large numbers, particularly for fresh juice production, cementing its role in regional agricultural identity.”