Knowing exactly when to pick Crimson Sweet watermelon is the final, and most important, step in growing this classic favorite. Getting it right means you enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and crisp, juicy texture that makes this variety so popular.
It can be tricky, though. Harvest too early, and you’re left with a pale, bland fruit. Wait too long, and that beautiful red flesh can become mealy and overripe. The good news is that with a few simple, time-tested techniques, you can confidently harvest your melons at their peak.
This guide will walk you through the key signs of ripeness, from the look of the rind to the sound of a good thump.
When to Pick Crimson Sweet Watermelon
This heading is your target. All the signs we discuss below lead you to this perfect moment. Relying on just one indicator can lead to mistakes. Instead, you should check for a combination of these clues.
The Primary Visual and Tactile Signs
Your eyes and hands are your best first tools. Start your assessment with these physical checks in the field.
1. The Field Spot Turns Creamy Yellow
This is often the most reliable visual sign. The field spot is the area where the watermelon rests on the ground.
- An unripe melon will have a white or pale green field spot.
- A ripe Crimson Sweet will have a creamy, buttery yellow or even a golden-yellow spot.
- If the spot is very large and more white than yellow, it likely needed more sun and may not be as sweet.
2. The Rind Loses Its Shine
Take a close look at the skin’s finish.
- Immature melons have a bright, glossy rind.
- As they ripen, the rind becomes duller and takes on a more matte appearance.
- The subtle contrast between the dark green and light green stripes may also become less vibrant.
3. The Tendril Dries and Browns
Find the curly tendril on the vine closest to the stem of your watermelon.
- If that tendril is still green and supple, the melon is still growing and sweetening.
- When the tendril has turned completely brown and dry, it’s a strong signal that the melon is ripe or very near ripe.
- Sometimes the tendril may be missing; if so, move on to the other checks.
The Secondary Checks: Sound and Feel
After the visual inspection, use your knuckles and a little gentle pressure.
The Thump Test
This classic method takes a bit of practice, but it’s useful.
- Hold the melon with one hand or gently cradle it.
- With your other hand, give it a firm knock with your knuckles.
- Listen carefully to the sound it makes.
- An underripe melon will produce a higher-pitched, metallic “ping” or tight sound.
- A ripe melon will have a deeper, fuller, and more resonant “thud” or hollow sound.
- An overripe melon might sound a very deep, dull thud.
It helps to thump a few melons you know are unripe to train your ear for the difference.
Feel the Weight and Texture
A ripe Crimson Sweet will feel heavy for its size—this is a sign of high water content. Also, gently run your fingers over the rind.
- The rind should feel firm and resistant to slight pressure from your thumb.
- If you can easily indent the rind with your thumb, it may be overripe.
- The surface texture might feel slightly rough or bumpy, rather than slick.
The Timing and Growing Context
While the signs above are crucial, understanding your garden’s timeline provides helpful context.
Days to Maturity
‘Crimson Sweet’ typically takes about 85 to 90 days from transplanting to reach maturity. Use this as a guideline, not a rule.
- Count the days from when you set out transplants or from when seeds germinated.
- Cooler, cloudier weather can extend this timeline.
- Intense heat might accelerate it slightly.
Start your close inspections around the 80-day mark. The days to maturity are a clue that you should start checking, not that you should automatically harvest.
Size and Shape
A mature ‘Crimson Sweet’ is usually oblong and can weigh between 20 to 30 pounds. It should be well-filled out at the ends.
- If the melon looks undersized for its variety, it likely needs more time.
- The shape should be symmetrical and consistent, not lumpy or irregular.
- Remember, size alone doesn’t indicate ripeness—always combine with other signs.
The Final Pre-Harvest Check
When you think you’ve got a winner, perform this last step.
- Check the field spot: Is it a creamy yellow?
- Inspect the tendril: Is it brown and dry?
- Thump it: Does it have a deep, hollow sound?
- Feel it: Is it heavy with a firm rind?
If you get three or four “yes” answers, it’s time. If you’re still unsure, you can wait two or three more days and check again. It’s better to wait a little than to pick to early.
How to Harvest Correctly
Once you’ve decided to harvest, do it properly to avoid damaging the fruit.
- Use a sharp, clean knife or pair of garden shears.
- Cut the stem about 2 to 4 inches above the top of the watermelon. Leaving a “handle” helps prevent rot at the stem scar and makes carrying easier.
- Do not twist or pull the melon from the vine, as this can damage both the fruit and the plant.
- Handle your harvested melons gently to avoid bruising.
What to Do After Picking
Your job isn’t quite finished after the harvest.
- Most watermelons, including ‘Crimson Sweet’, develop their best flavor and sweetness on the vine. They do not get sweeter after picking.
- However, they can become softer and more juicy if left at room temperature for a day or two after harvest.
- For storage, whole, uncut watermelons can be kept at room temperature for about a week. For longer storage (up to two weeks), place them in the refrigerator.
- Once cut, always refrigerate the slices in an airtight container.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, even with careful checking, things don’t go as planned. Here’s what might happen.
- Picked too early (pale pink, bland flavor): Unfortunately, there’s no fix for this. Use it in a blended smoothie or a salad where you can add other flavors.
- Picked too late (soft, mealy, sour smell): The texture is compromised. It’s best to compost an overripe melon.
- White seeds throughout: This is a sure sign of immaturity. The seeds should be dark brown or black in a ripe ‘Crimson Sweet’.
- Hollow heart (crack or cavity inside): This is a growth issue, not a ripeness issue, often caused by uneven watering or pollination problems. The edible parts around it are usually still fine to eat.
FAQ: Your Quick Questions Answered
How can I tell if a Crimson Sweet is ripe without cutting it?
Use the combination method: look for a creamy yellow field spot, a brown/dry tendril, a dull rind, and listen for a deep thump.
Does Crimson Sweet watermelon continue to ripen after picking?
No. It will not get any sweeter. It may soften slightly off the vine, but the sugar content is set at harvest.
What color should a ripe Crimson Sweet watermelon be inside?
It should have a deep, vibrant red flesh. The classic variety is not a pink or orange-fleshed type.
Can you harvest watermelon too late?
Yes. An overripe watermelon will often have a soggy, grainy texture and can even start to ferment, leading to an off taste or smell.
What is the best time of day to pick watermelons?
Early morning is ideal, when the vines are still crisp and the fruits are cool from the night air.
Mastering the art of picking ‘Crimson Sweet’ at its peak is a rewarding skill. It takes a bit of observation and practice, but the payoff is that first perfect, sweet, and incredibly juicy slice. By using multiple checks—the field spot, the tendril, the thump, and the heft—you greatly increase your chances of success every single time. Keep this guide handy, and soon you’ll be harvesting your best melons yet.