Watermelon-Florida Giant
Citrullus lanatus
One of the best round open-pollinated watermelons, these are beautiful 50-pound melons with smooth dark green rinds that measure 15" in diameter. The bright red flesh is firm, sweet, and delicious. This is a popular variety for home and market gardens in the South. It is a good shipper and is ready in 90 days.
Seed expert Melville Dillon developed and introduced this watermelon in the 1940s, naming it for his native Florida. Florida Giant has been known to reach a weight of 80-90 pounds, and is one of the most popular giant watermelons.
| Days to germination | 4-7 days |
| Days to maturity | 70 - 110 days |
| Life cycle | annual |
| Plant time/Harvest | March - June for summer harvest, August for Fall harvest |
| Spacing | 8' |
| Sun | full sun |
| Soil temperature | 80 - 85 F |
| Optimum soil P.H | 6 - 6.5 |
| Height | 6" - 12" |