Desert King Watermelon
Citrullus lanatus
Price: $3.95
SKU: 3250680190 days. Desert King is a drought-tolerant heirloom watermelon producing round fruit that average about 20 pounds, with most landing between 15 and 25 pounds. The flesh is sweet and yellow, and the light pea-green rind resists sunburn.
This variety handles heat and dry soil better than most watermelons, growing well in hot, low-water gardens. Ripe fruit holds on the vine for three to four weeks without dropping in quality, and it keeps well after harvest.
This variety handles heat and dry soil better than most watermelons, growing well in hot, low-water gardens. Ripe fruit holds on the vine for three to four weeks without dropping in quality, and it keeps well after harvest.
Flesh Color: Yellow
Days to Maturity: 90
Growth Habit: Vining
Lifespan: Annual
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Drought Tolerant: ✔️
Genetic Classification: Open Pollinated
Days to Maturity: 90
Growth Habit: Vining
Lifespan: Annual
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Drought Tolerant: ✔️
Genetic Classification: Open Pollinated
Planting Instructions:
The seeds can be directly sown in spring after the soil has warmed or started indoors four weeks before the last expected frost. Indoors, plant two to three seeds per pot, ½ inch deep, thinning to the best plant. Do not disturb roots when transplanting.
Outdoors, plant three to four seeds, ½ inch deep, in hills spaced four to six feet apart. Transplant or thin to two plants per hill. Young plants are cold sensitive and some cover protection at nights may be required. Mulch or cultivate to control weeds.
Outdoors, plant three to four seeds, ½ inch deep, in hills spaced four to six feet apart. Transplant or thin to two plants per hill. Young plants are cold sensitive and some cover protection at nights may be required. Mulch or cultivate to control weeds.
Customer Reviews:
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★★★★★ A great melon
By Lance Wilkerson (KINGMAN, KS) on September 25, 2026
By Lance Wilkerson (KINGMAN, KS) on September 25, 2026
35 years ago this variety was widely available. For some reason it's become hard to find the seed. I grew them in eastern Colorado and they did well on the high dry plains. I'm pleased that Victory seed now has them available.
