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.
The seedless types do not yield as well as seeded types. Seed is expensive and germination is often poor, since seedless types require high soil temperatures for germination. Seedless crops must be planted with 12 to 15 per cent seeded types that flower at the same time as the seedless types, to ensure pollination and fruit set. All types need to be pollinated by bees for good fruit set. The yellow fleshed types all have thin brittle skins that will not transport well.