Six varieties and their uses are described. Watermelons, Citrullus vulgaris , are in the same family as pumpkins, rock melons and cucumbers. Watermelons are a popular summer fruit and can also be eaten in salads. The fruit may be round, oval or cylindrical, depending on the variety, and weigh from 3 to 25 kg. The colour of the skin may vary from white through shades of green and may be mottled or striped.
Flesh colour varies from yellow through to red.
Red-fleshed varieties are the most popular. When selecting watermelon varieties, consider where and how they are to be marketed and consumer preferences at the intended market. Most varieties have tough thick rinds that will transport well. The most commonly grown varieties are Warpaint and Allsweet. Many new varieties are available.