The Best Types of Watermelons to Grow in North Dakota
Growing watermelons in North Dakota can be a bit challenging due to the short growing season and cooler climate, but with the right variety and proper care, it’s entirely possible to harvest sweet, juicy watermelons. The key to success in this northern state is to choose early-maturing, cold-tolerant watermelon varieties that can thrive in a shorter season. Below are some of the best types of watermelons to grow in North Dakota.
1. Sugar Baby
Sugar Baby is a popular choice for cooler climates like North Dakota because it matures quickly and is smaller in size, making it ideal for gardeners with limited space. This variety produces round, 8-10 pound melons with deep red, sweet flesh and dark green skin. Sugar Baby melons are known for their rich flavor and ability to ripen faster than larger varieties.
- Days to maturity: 70-80 days
- Size: 8-10 pounds
- Growing season: Short, perfect for northern climates
2. Blacktail Mountain
Developed in the cool, mountainous regions of Idaho, Blacktail Mountain watermelons are one of the most cold-tolerant varieties available. This makes them an excellent option for North Dakota. The melons are small, weighing about 6-12 pounds, and have a deep red interior with a sweet, crisp flavor. Blacktail Mountain watermelons are known for their ability to thrive in shorter growing seasons.
- Days to maturity: 70-75 days
- Size: 6-12 pounds
- Growing season: Short, cold-tolerant
3. Golden Midget
Golden Midget is a unique, early-maturing watermelon variety perfect for gardeners in North Dakota. Its defining characteristic is its bright yellow rind when ripe, which contrasts with its red, sweet flesh. The fruits are small, usually around 3 pounds, but they pack a lot of flavor in their compact size. This variety is great for gardeners who want a quick-growing, colorful watermelon.
- Days to maturity: 65-70 days
- Size: 3 pounds
- Growing season: Very short, early-maturing
4. Yellow Doll
For those looking for something different, Yellow Doll watermelons offer a deliciously sweet, yellow-fleshed fruit. This variety matures quickly and produces smaller, 5-7 pound melons, making it ideal for North Dakota’s short growing season. The melons have a thin rind, so they’re best eaten fresh soon after harvest.
- Days to maturity: 65-70 days
- Size: 5-7 pounds
- Growing season: Short
5. Crimson Sweet
Crimson Sweet is a well-known variety that performs reasonably well in cooler climates. While it takes slightly longer to mature than some other varieties, at around 80 days, it’s still manageable in North Dakota if started early or with the use of season extenders like row covers. This variety produces large, oval-shaped melons that can weigh 20-25 pounds with a classic red, sweet interior.
- Days to maturity: 80 days
- Size: 20-25 pounds
- Growing season: Moderate, may need early start
6. Icebox Watermelons
Icebox watermelons, named for their smaller size that fits well in a refrigerator, are a category of watermelons designed for shorter growing seasons. Varieties like “Tiger Baby” or “Mini Love” are great for North Dakota because they mature quickly and produce sweet, small fruits that are around 6-12 pounds. These are ideal for gardeners looking for single-serving or smaller melons.
- Days to maturity: 70-80 days
- Size: 6-12 pounds
- Growing season: Short, manageable
Growing Tips for Watermelons in North Dakota
- Start Indoors: Since North Dakota’s growing season is relatively short, starting watermelon seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date is essential. Transplant them outdoors once the soil temperature reaches at least 70°F.
- Choose the Warmest Spot: Watermelons need full sun to thrive, so plant them in the warmest, sunniest part of your garden. Raised beds or black plastic mulch can help retain heat in the soil.
- Use Row Covers: Row covers can protect young plants from cool spring temperatures and help warm the soil. Be sure to remove the covers when flowers appear to allow pollinators access.
- Watering: Watermelons require consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. Drip irrigation works well to deliver water directly to the roots.
- Harvesting: Watermelons are ready to harvest when the tendril closest to the fruit turns brown and the underside of the melon (where it touches the ground) turns yellow.
Conclusion
By selecting early-maturing, cold-tolerant varieties like Sugar Baby, Blacktail Mountain, or Golden Midget, North Dakota gardeners can successfully grow watermelons despite the shorter growing season. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a harvest of sweet, juicy watermelons even in a cooler climate.
