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You can get seeds from seedless watermelon by looking for the soft, white immature seeds that sometimes develop in the fruit.
Yes, that sounds a bit strange, but it’s absolutely true.
Seedless watermelons aren’t completely seedless, they just have very few seeds, and those seeds are usually white and underdeveloped.
If you’ve ever wondered how to get seeds from seedless watermelon, the answer lies in understanding how these melons are grown in the first place.
In this post, we’ll walk through why seedless watermelons still have seeds, how to find them, and how to save them so you can try growing your own.
Let’s dive in.
Why You Can Get Seeds from Seedless Watermelon
You can get seeds from seedless watermelon because these melons aren’t truly seedless, they’re just mostly seedless.
Here’s why:
1. Seedless Watermelons Are Hybrids
Seedless watermelons are created by crossing two different watermelon varieties.
This cross produces a plant that makes fruit, but the seeds inside don’t fully develop.
That’s why when you cut open a seedless watermelon, you often see tiny white seeds instead of big black ones.
Those white seeds are immature, but they’re still seeds, and sometimes they can be saved.
2. The White Seeds Are Immature But Viable
Not all white seeds in a seedless watermelon will grow, but some can.
If the seed is plump and not completely flat, it might have enough genetic material to sprout.
Getting seeds from seedless watermelon means sorting through these soft white seeds to find the few that might actually work.
It’s a bit like a treasure hunt, but it’s worth a try if you’re curious.
3. Pollination Plays a Role
Seedless watermelons need to be pollinated by a regular seeded watermelon variety.
This pollination triggers fruit development, but because of the hybrid genetics, the seeds inside the seedless watermelon don’t mature fully.
That’s why you can still find those little white seeds, and that’s also why getting seeds from seedless watermelon is possible, just not guaranteed.
How to Get Seeds from Seedless Watermelon Step by Step
If you want to try getting seeds from seedless watermelon, here’s how to do it:
1. Pick a Ripe Seedless Watermelon
Start with a fully ripe seedless watermelon.
A ripe one will have a creamy yellow spot on the bottom and a deep, hollow sound when you tap it.
The riper the melon, the more developed those white seeds will be.
2. Scoop Out the Seeds
Cut open your watermelon and look for the white seeds.
They’re usually scattered near the center or along the faint seed traces.
Scoop them out gently with a spoon or your fingers.
Getting seeds from seedless watermelon takes a bit of patience because there aren’t many to find.
3. Wash and Dry the Seeds
Rinse the seeds in a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp or juice.
Then spread them out on a paper towel or a plate to dry.
Let them air dry for a few days in a cool, dry spot.
This step is important if you plan to store them for planting later.
4. Test for Viability
Not every white seed will grow, so you can do a simple float test.
Drop the dried seeds into a glass of water.
Seeds that sink are more likely to be viable, while those that float probably won’t sprout.
This isn’t foolproof, but it helps you narrow down your best candidates.
5. Store Them Properly
Place the viable seeds in a paper envelope or a small jar.
Keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place until you’re ready to plant.
Label them so you remember they came from a seedless watermelon.
Can You Really Grow a Watermelon from Seeds from Seedless Watermelon?
You can try, but don’t expect a perfect seedless watermelon to grow.
Here’s what usually happens:
1. The Offspring Won’t Be Truly Seedless
Even if a white seed from a seedless watermelon sprouts, the plant it grows will likely produce watermelons with normal black seeds.
That’s because the seedless trait comes from a specific genetic combination that doesn’t pass down reliably.
So getting seeds from seedless watermelon is possible, but growing a new seedless watermelon from them is not guaranteed.
2. Germination Rates Are Low
White seeds from seedless watermelons often have low germination rates.
Some might not sprout at all, and those that do may be weak.
If you’re serious about growing watermelons, it’s usually easier to buy seeds labeled as seedless watermelon seeds from a reputable supplier.
3. It’s Still a Fun Experiment
That said, trying to get seeds from seedless watermelon is a fun gardening experiment.
You might get a surprise watermelon, or you might just learn something new.
Either way, it’s a great way to connect with your food and understand how plants work.
So, How Do You Get Seeds from Seedless Watermelon?
You get seeds from seedless watermelon by saving the soft white immature seeds found inside the fruit.
These seeds are underdeveloped, but some can still be viable.
Wash them, dry them, test them, and store them properly if you want to try planting them.
Just remember that the plants you grow won’t be truly seedless, and germination is hit or miss.
Still, getting seeds from seedless watermelon is a neat trick to try, and it gives you a whole new appreciation for how these fascinating fruits are made.
Happy gardening!