The Congo watermelon is a large, heirloom variety known for its exceptionally sweet, firm, red flesh and thick, tough rind. It is an open-pollinated variety that won the All-America Selections award in 1950.
Description and features
Size and shape: The fruits are large and have an oblong, cylindrical shape with blunt ends. They can grow to an impressive size, reaching an average of 30–40 pounds (around 14–20 kg).
Appearance: The rind is a thick and tough, medium green with dark-green stripes. This thick rind provides protection against bruising, making the melon suitable for shipping.
Flesh: The flesh is firm, juicy, and a deep, rich red color.
Flavor: The Congo variety is known for its high sugar content, with tests showing sugar levels as high as 9.5%. This gives it a delicious and refreshing sweetness.
Growing conditions: It is a warm-season crop that thrives in full sun and well-drained, rich soil. The seeds are typically sown in the spring or early summer.
Maturity: The melons are ready to harvest in approximately 85–95 days.
Disease resistance: Congo watermelons are resistant to anthracnose, a common fungal disease.
