What Types of Watermelon Are There? A Roundup of the Latest Common Varieties
What are the common types of watermelon? Watermelon can be cultivated throughout China. In the south, Hainan Island is the main producing area; thanks to its unique climate, watermelon is abundant all year round and comes in diverse varieties. In the north, the main growing belt runs along the Yellow River; the land on both banks of the Yellow River is fertile, and the sandy soil is most suitable for watermelon growth, producing melons that are both sweet and sandy-textured. From Lanzhou in Gansu in the west down to Shaanxi, Hebei, Henan and Shandong. Among these, Shandong is the main watermelon producing area, concentrated mainly in the western Shandong region in places such as Liaocheng, Dongming, Weifang, Changle, Dezhou and Sishui.
Early Spring Red Jade Watermelon
Early Spring Red Jade is an F1 hybrid extra-early-maturing small red-fleshed watermelon. Planted in spring, it is harvested in May and matures 35 days after fruit set. Planted in summer and autumn, it is harvested in September and matures 25 days after fruit set. This variety has a long oval appearance with clear stripes on a green background, and the plants grow vigorously. The rind is 0.4-0.5 cm thick, the flesh is bright red, crisp, tender and refreshing, with a center sugar content above 12.5. A single melon weighs 2.0 kg, and it keeps well for a long time with good market quality.
Black Beauty Watermelon
Black Beauty watermelon is oval in shape with a relatively small fruit and pure black rind; as the name suggests, Black Beauty.
Seedless Watermelon
Based on genetic characteristics, seedless watermelon can be grown artificially. It is round, with no seeds in the flesh, and requires breeding every year.
Striped Rind Watermelon
Striped rind watermelon is oval in shape with large fruit, and the rind alternates between light green and dark green.
Te Xiaofeng Watermelon
Te Xiaofeng watermelon is round, with a striped rind and yellow flesh.
Mibao Watermelon
Mibao watermelon is spherical, with dark green rind that develops a waxy bloom on the surface when ripe, and red flesh that is crisp, sweet and juicy.
Lebao Watermelon
Lebao watermelon is round, with a deep dark green rind and red flesh that is dense and crisp.