Citrullus lanatus Water melon (Cucurbitaceae)

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Citrullus lanatus
Water melon
(1 Page of 5)

The Citrullus lanatus plant species is found in Tropical and S. Africa. It is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Water melon. Some home gardeners know the variety as C. vulgaris.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Citrullus lanatus
Common Name:  Water melon
Family:  Cucurbitaceae
Author:  (Thunb.)Matsum.

Known Hazards:  The sprouting seed produces a toxic substance in its embryo[65].

Mature Height:     Mature Width:

Habitat:  A weed of roadsides and open ground in desert areas[117].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a rich sandy loam and a very sunny position[1, 117, 200]. A drought resistant plant once established, it is intolerant of wet soils[117]. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.3 to 8. The water melon is frequently grown for its edible fruit in warm temperate and tropical areas, there are many named varieties[183]. It is not frost hardy and requires a long hot summer if it is to fruit well. It is not really a suitable crop for growing outdoors in Britain at the present time, though it is possible that new faster maturing cultivars will be developed. It is best grown in greenhouse conditions in Britain[K]. The cultivars 'Fordbrook hybrid', New Hampshire midget' and 'Sugar baby' mature in 80 - 85 days in Long Island, New York[200]. A good companion plant for potatoes[20].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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