When To Pick A Crimson Sweet Watermelon

You can pick a Crimson Sweet watermelon when the tendril closest to the fruit turns brown and dry.
 
That little curl is one of the most reliable signs that a Crimson Sweet is ready to harvest.
 
The timing for picking a Crimson Sweet watermelon matters because these melons don’t ripen much after you pull them off the vine.
 
So if you’ve been wondering when to pick a Crimson Sweet watermelon, the answer is all about reading the clues the melon gives you.
 
In this post, we’ll go over exactly when to pick a Crimson Sweet watermelon, the signs to look for, and a few simple tricks that take the guesswork out of harvest day.
 
Let’s jump in.
 

When to Pick a Crimson Sweet Watermelon

Crimson Sweet watermelons are ready to pick roughly 80 to 90 days after planting.
 
But days alone won’t tell you the whole story.
 
The best way to know when to pick a Crimson Sweet watermelon is to check a handful of physical signs together.
 
Here are the ones that matter most.
 

1. The Tendril Turns Brown

Look for the curly tendril growing right next to where the stem attaches to the melon.
 
When that tendril is green, the Crimson Sweet watermelon isn’t ready yet.
 
Once it dries up and turns brown, the melon is telling you it’s time.
 
This is probably the single most trusted signal for when to pick a Crimson Sweet watermelon.
 

2. The Ground Spot Turns Creamy Yellow

Roll the melon over and check the spot where it rested on the soil.
 
On an unripe Crimson Sweet, that spot looks white or pale green.
 
When the Crimson Sweet watermelon is ripe, the spot turns a warm, creamy yellow.
 
That color shift means the melon has finished developing the sugars that make it sweet.
 

3. The Skin Loses Its Shine

A young Crimson Sweet watermelon has a glossy, reflective rind.
 
As it ripens, that shine fades and the surface looks dull and slightly matte.
 
So if your Crimson Sweet watermelon still looks shiny, give it a few more days.
 

4. The Thump Sounds Hollow

Give the melon a firm thump with the palm of your hand.
 
A ripe Crimson Sweet watermelon returns a deep, hollow sound.
 
An unripe one sounds dull and flat, while an overripe one sounds almost hollow and mushy.
 
The thump test isn’t perfect on its own, but it works great alongside the other signs.
 

5. The Weight Feels Heavy

Pick up the Crimson Sweet watermelon and compare it to its size.
 
A ripe one feels heavy for its size because it’s packed with water and sugar.
 
If it feels light, that’s a sign the melon may be past its prime or underdeveloped.
 

Common Mistakes When Picking a Crimson Sweet Watermelon

Plenty of gardeners get impatient and pull their Crimson Sweet watermelon too early.
 
Here are the mistakes to avoid so you don’t ruin your harvest.
 

1. Relying on Size Alone

Big doesn’t always mean ripe.
 
Crimson Sweet watermelons can grow large and still need more time on the vine.
 
Always check the tendril and ground spot before you decide when to pick a Crimson Sweet watermelon.
 

2. Harvesting Right After a Rainstorm

Watermelons soak up a lot of water after heavy rain.
 
If you pick a Crimson Sweet watermelon right after a storm, the flesh can taste watery and bland.
 
Wait a day or two for the flavor to concentrate before harvesting.
 

3. Leaving It on the Vine Too Long

Overripe Crimson Sweet watermelons turn grainy and mushy inside.
 
Once the tendril is brown and the ground spot is yellow, don’t wait much longer.
 
When in doubt, it’s better to pick a Crimson Sweet watermelon a touch early than too late.
 

How to Harvest and Store Your Crimson Sweet Watermelon

Once you’ve confirmed it’s time, grab a sharp knife or pruning shears.
 
Cut the stem about an inch from the melon instead of pulling it off.
 
Leave a short stem attached so the Crimson Sweet watermelon stays fresh longer.
 
Store your Crimson Sweet watermelon in a cool spot out of direct sun if you plan to eat it within a week.
 
For longer storage, cut it into chunks and refrigerate, because a whole Crimson Sweet watermelon holds its flavor best at room temperature for the first few days.
 

So, When to Pick a Crimson Sweet Watermelon?

You can pick a Crimson Sweet watermelon when the tendril dries and turns brown, the ground spot turns creamy yellow, the skin loses its shine, the thump sounds hollow, and the melon feels heavy for its size.
 
Those five signs together take the guesswork out of knowing exactly when to pick a Crimson Sweet watermelon.
 
Check them all before you harvest, be patient when only a couple of signs show up, and you’ll end up with a Crimson Sweet watermelon that’s as sweet and juicy as it should be.