Water Melon (Citrullus lanatus)

Family: Cucurbitaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Citrullus lanatus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

refreshing fruit, it has a delicate sweetness with an extremely high water content, the fruit is often used as a refreshing drink. — A very refreshing fruit, it has a delicate sweetness with an extremely high water content, the fruit is often used as a refreshing drink.; The unripe fruits are added to soups.; A syrup can also be made from the juice.; The fruit is a rich source of pectin, and can be added to pectin-low fruits when making jam.

Habitat & North American Range

A weed of roadsides and open ground in desert areas. (Zone 8)