Citrullus lanatus

Citrullus lanatus — watermelon

Citrullus lanatus is the botanical name for the watermelon, the sprawling, sun-loving vine that produces the great refreshing fruit of high summer. It is the species behind our watermelon range within the fruit seed collection. New to fruit from seed? Our fruit growing guide covers the basics.

History & origin

The watermelon traces its roots to Africa, where wild relatives still grow in dry country and were valued as much for their water as their flesh. Cultivated for thousands of years — seeds and paintings survive from ancient Egypt — it spread along trade routes through the Mediterranean and Asia, sweetening and reddening over centuries of selection into the fruit we know today.

The species name lanatus means “woolly,” describing the soft hairs on the young stems and leaves; Citrullus is a diminutive of the Latin citrus, borrowed for the fruit's colour and form.

Botanical characteristics

A vigorous, trailing annual, watermelon climbs or sprawls with tendrils and deeply lobed leaves, bearing yellow flowers that give way to large, smooth-skinned fruit with sweet, watery flesh. As a heat-loving member of the gourd family it shares its needs with our vining and climbing fruits and rewards a long, warm season — a fine choice among our culinary crops.

Growing Citrullus lanatus from seed

Watermelon needs warmth from the very start. Sow indoors in warmth in spring, grow on, and plant out only once nights are reliably mild — ideally under cover or in the sunniest, most sheltered spot. Give rich soil, steady water and room to roam. Our fruit growing guide and fruit sowing calendar cover the timing.

Ready to grow watermelon? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Watermelon · Vining & Climbing Fruits · Culinary Fruits · Rare & Exotic Fruits · All Fruit Seeds

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