Orangeglo Watermelon

Citrullus lanatus

Seeds per pack ~30

Germination: 81%  May 2025 Packed for 2026

Origins and History

Orangeglo watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a beloved open-pollinated “heirloom-style” melon known for its standout color and flavor. While watermelons as a crop trace their domestication back to Africa and centuries of farmer selection, Orangeglo itself is a modern heirloom—developed in the 1960s in Poolville, Texas, and associated with Willhite Seed Company, a longtime melon-breeding and seed firm. Over time, it spread through seed catalogs and seed-saver networks because it reliably delivers big fruit, vigorous vines, and that signature orange flesh.

Appearance and Characteristics

Orangeglo produces large, oblong melons commonly in the 20–30 lb range (often cited around 15–25+ lb depending on conditions). The rind is typically green with darker striping, and the interior is the headline: bright, deep orange flesh that’s described as crisp, juicy, and very sweet, with an almost tropical flavor profile.

Culinary Uses

This is a fresh-eating watermelon meant to impress: slice it for fruit trays, farm-stand displays, and conference tastings where the orange color becomes an instant conversation-starter. Its sweet, aromatic flavor makes it excellent for agua fresca, smoothies, sorbets, and summer salads (try cubes with lime, mint, and a pinch of salt). Because the flesh is crisp and juicy, it also works well for watermelon juice and chilled mocktails.

Growing Tips

Orangeglo thrives anywhere watermelons do best: full sun, warm soil, and steady moisture early on. Many sources list it broadly for USDA Zones ~3–10 when grown as a warm-season annual (timing and heat matter more than the zone number). Direct sow after frost once soil is reliably warm (often 70°F+ for strong germination), or start indoors briefly and transplant carefully because melons dislike root disturbance. Sow ½–1 inch deep (common guidance is about 1 inch in hills/mounds), spacing hills widely for airflow and vine run (e.g., 3–4 ft between hills and 6+ ft between rows). Expect ~90–100 days to maturity under good heat and fertility. Keep watering consistent during vine growth and fruit sizing, then ease slightly as fruits near maturity to help concentrate sweetness (without stressing plants to the point of collapse).

Harvesting Guidance

Orangeglo typically ripens around 90–100 days after planting. Use classic watermelon cues: the ground spot (where the melon rests) turns creamy yellow, and the tendril nearest the fruit stem dries down. A fun, variety-specific clue often noted by growers is that Orangeglo can crack or “pop” more easily when fully ripe, and some describe it as wanting to split cleanly when cut—so check fields frequently as harvest approaches. Once harvested, chill before slicing to highlight the fragrance and “tropical-sweet” character that makes Orangeglo famous.

This variety of watermelon is popular for its refreshing taste and vibrant color, making it a popular choice for summertime snacks and desserts. It can be eaten fresh, used in fruit salads, or blended into refreshing beverages like smoothies. Like other watermelons, it is also a good source of hydration due to its high water content.