Dixie Queen Picnic Watermelon
Citrullus lanatus
Seeds per pack ~20
Germination: 90% Sep 2024 (Packed for 2025)
DAYS TO MATURITY: 85-90 days
The Dixie Queen Picnic Watermelon is an heirloom watermelon variety known for its early maturity and classic sweet flavor. This variety is an annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat tolerant, seeded, picnic watermelon. Sweet, refreshing, and mildly fruity, embodying the classic taste of watermelon. Perfect for picnics and gatherings due to its manageable size and great flavor. Its high sugar content makes it a favorite for fresh eating or fruit salads. The Dixie Queen watermelon is popular in the southern United States.
Key Characteristics: Medium-sized shape, typically ranging from 15 to 30 pounds. Oval to oblong shape, making it convenient for slicing and sharing. The rind is light green with dark green stripes, providing a visually appealing contrast. The thin but durable rind makes the Dixie Queen easy to slice yet resilient enough for transport. Bright red and crisp flesh, with a juicy texture. Contains small, black seeds typical of traditional watermelons.
Growing Traits: Early maturity variety, typically ready for harvest in about 85–90 days. With vigorous vines the Dixie Queen offers good disease resistance and thrives in warm, sunny climates. Produces consistently good harvests when grown in ideal conditions.
Growing Tips: Thrives in warm climates with plenty of sun. Prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Requires consistent watering, especially during fruiting, but avoid waterlogging. Provide ample space for vines to spread—usually 6–8 feet apart. Ensure plenty of pollinators like bees for fruit set.
Indigenous to Africa, watermelons, including varieties like the August Ambrosia, have a history that predates colonial influences. Watermelons were first cultivated in Africa before spreading north into Mediterranean countries and, later, to other parts of Europe. The transatlantic slave trade was the main vehicle by which the watermelon made its way to the Americas. Before it became a racist stereotype in the Jim Crow era, watermelon once symbolized black self-sufficiency. After the Civil War, newly freed African Americans grew, ate and sold watermelon—the fruit became a symbol of freedom
NUTRITIONAL VALUE: Watermelon is predominantly composed of water, aiding in maintaining proper hydration levels in the body. Beyond its thirst-quenching properties, it is a rich source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes skin health. It also contains vitamins A and B6, contributing to vision and metabolic processes. Watermelon's vibrant red hue signifies the presence of the antioxidant lycopene, linked to potential health benefits, including heart health and reducing oxidative stress. The fruit is naturally low in calories, making it a guilt-free option for those watching their calorie intake. Additionally, watermelon provides essential minerals such as potassium, crucial for maintaining electrolyte balance and supporting proper heart function.
FOOD PREP: The most popular way to eat watermelon is to slice the watermelon into wedges or cubes, providing a convenient and mess-free way to enjoy this hydrating fruit. For a twist, consider making watermelon skewers by threading the cubes onto sticks and alternating with other fruits like mint or feta cheese for a delightful appetizer. Turning watermelon into a chilled soup or gazpacho offers a unique and cooling option on warm days. Additionally, blending watermelon into smoothies or juices provides a refreshing beverage bursting with flavor. Experiment with savory combinations by adding watermelon to salads with feta, mint, and balsamic glaze for a sweet and savory contrast. Frozen watermelon cubes make for a healthy and tasty snack while incorporating the fruit into sorbets, popsicles, or granitas adds a playful touch to desserts. The seeds of a watermelon are also considered a culinary delight, with a slightly nutty flavor.
