Customer Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8-4 MST
Features
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Native
Africa
Life Cycle
Annual
Plant Height
Vine
Further Information
Growing Conditions
Frost Sensitive
Plant Resistance
- Anthracnose Resistant
- Fusarium Wilt Resistant
About Charleston Gray Watermelon Seeds
Citrullus lanatus
22"–26" long, 10" wide, oblong fruit that is greenish-gray, and weighs 25–35 pounds. Interior is bright red. 'Charleston Gray' produces 1–2, 20–25 pound fruit per plant with brilliant red, crisp, very sweet interior. Disease resistant to Fusarium wilt and anthracnose.
Planting Melon
Days to Maturity
85–100 days
Plant Spacing
2–3 seeds per mound
Light Required
Full sun
Plant Height
Vine
Planting Depth
½"
Coverage & Planting Details
| Coverage | This packet sows up to 20 mounds. |
|---|---|
| Row Spacing | 4'–6' apart |
| Seed Depth | ½" |
| Seed Spacing | 2–3 seeds per mound |
| Thinning | When 3 leaves, thin to 1 plant per mound |
| Germination | 5–10 days |
| Start Indoors | Not recommended except in very short growing seasons, 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting. Roots are sensitive to disturbance; sow in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the ground. Transplant when soil temperature is at least 60°F. |
| Direct Sow | RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is 70°–90°F. |
| Growing & Harvesting | It can be tricky to know exactly when a watermelon is ripe and ready to pick. First, know the number of "days to harvest" and begin checking fruits as harvest date draws closer. Signs to look for are: (1) the bottom of the melon (where it lies on the soil) turns from light green to a yellowish color; (2) the surface color of the fruit turns dull; (3) the skin becomes resistant to penetration by the thumbnail and is rough to the touch; and (4) light green, curly tendril on the stem near the point of attachment of the melon is brown and dry. All of these indicators may not necessarily occur at the same time. |
Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone
Average First Frost Date
October 19
Average Last Frost Date
May 19
Your Hardiness Zone is
5b
Send Your Recommendation
Total 5 star reviews: 5 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 3
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Rating
Which best describes you as a gardener?
8 reviews
- Cindy N.KS, United StatesVerified ReviewerRated 5 out of 5 stars8/15/26Good melon
I waited too long on the first melon in strong sunlight, seeds had started to germinate inside, still was flavorful enough to deseed and use in a hydration smoothie. I had one hanging out of my raised bed resting on the ground and the resting end started to rot. I picked it and it was well ripened with a enjoyable delicately sweet flavor. I have 4 more in various stages, setting on to almost ready to pick. If I had picked the first one cooking in the sun (100 degree days) sooner I'm sure it would have been better. I havent learned all the ins and outs of harvesting but I will plant more of these next year and keep trying, and pay more attention to when I planted to use 'date to harvest' info more effectively.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? YourselfHow do you prefer to grow? Raised BedBIBotanical Interests8/17/26Hey Cindy,
We're so happy to hear that your Charleston Gray Watermelons have been such a great success! It's awesome that you got to enjoy that delicately sweet flavor, and we love that you're already planning to plant more next year. It sounds like you're learning so much about the harvest timing with each melon, and that's exactly the kind of growing experience we love to see. Thanks so much for being part of the growing community! Keep on growing 🌻
- Jaime G.Verified BuyerRated 1 out of 5 stars8/12/26Not sure if I should blame the seed but I did not have good luck with these.
I planted them in 2 locations. One in a field with full sun and another in a garden which had morning shade. neither place did well. They are still these little 8 inch plants. I guess I'm just disappointed. We did have plenty of rain this year so I'm not sure what happened. I may try again next year.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests8/17/26Hey Jaime
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Lillian G.Verified BuyerRated 1 out of 5 stars7/19/26Didn’t grow much
The watermelon were around like a little soccer ball and they never really got bigger than that.
Which best describes you as a gardener? BeginnerBIBotanical Interests7/21/26Hey Lillian,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️
- David K.Verified ReviewerRated 5 out of 5 stars7/1/26Charleston Gray!!!
I remember when my grandfather used to bring these to the family Forth of July gatherings as a child. I was so excited to see them available. By the way I live in Charleston SC so it checks all the boxes for me.
Which best describes you as a gardener? BeginnerBIBotanical Interests7/3/26Hey David,
We're absolutely thrilled to hear about the special connection you have with Charleston Gray Watermelons! There's something so beautiful about growing the same varieties that bring back those cherished family memories from Fourth of July gatherings with your grandfather. And how perfect that you're growing them right there in Charleston SC - it really doesn't get more authentic than that! We have a feeling this is going to be an amazing and meaningful growing experience for you. Thanks for sharing your wonderful watermelon memories with us! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Danny ..Rated 5 out of 5 stars7/3/245 Stars
Just harvested my first watermelon. It grew huge and has great flavor, though it's quite seedy. Would grow again.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate