How to Grow Parasol Watermelon
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Parasol Watermelon
Citrullus lanatus
vegetableParasol Watermelon is a unique compact variety that produces small, sweet watermelons on a vine with exceptional foliage coverage. The plant's large leaves create a natural 'parasol' effect that provides shade for developing fruits. This heirloom variety is prized for its manageable size and distinctive appearance.
When should you plant Parasol Watermelon in your zone?
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Example Parasol Watermelon timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Parasol Watermelon
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Parasol Watermelon
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Parasol Watermelon dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, but can succeed in zones 4+ with season extension
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Seedling
10-14 daysCotyledons emerge and first true leaves develop. Seedlings are tender and susceptible to damping off.
Keep soil warm (75-85°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright light and good air circulation. Start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost or direct seed after soil reaches 70°F.
Vegetative/Vine Growth
3-4 weeksRapid vine development with large leaves forming the characteristic parasol structure. Vines sprawl across ground and climb if supported.
Provide consistent warmth, water, and nutrients. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Space vines adequately to prevent disease. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall yellow flowers appear on the vine. Male flowers typically appear first, followed by female flowers with tiny fruit behind the bloom.
Ensure adequate pollinator access. Shift to lower nitrogen fertilizer to encourage fruiting. Continue consistent watering. Protect flowers from extreme heat stress.
Fruit Development
3-4 weeksSmall melons form and grow beneath the protective parasol-like foliage. Fruits are typically 5-8 pounds with striped or solid rind patterns.
Maintain consistent soil moisture for even growth. Provide light support if fruits touch bare soil. Gradually reduce nitrogen while maintaining potassium for sugar development.
Ripening & Maturity
1-2 weeksMelons reach full size and develop characteristic coloring. Rind hardens and sweetness concentrates. The fruit detaches more easily from the vine.
Reduce watering gradually to concentrate sugars and prevent splitting. Check for ripeness signals: hollow sound when thumped, creamy spot on ground, curled tendril near fruit stem.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers in early season, sticky traps, neem oil, encourage beneficial predators, remove affected leaves
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Ensure good air circulation, apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray, remove heavily affected leaves, avoid overhead watering
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Improve air circulation, apply fungicides (copper-based), remove infected foliage, avoid wetting leaves
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Increase humidity with regular misting, spray with water, apply neem oil, encourage predatory mites
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Wrap base of vines with aluminum foil, inject Bt into stems, plant succession crops, remove infested vines immediately
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Yellow sticky traps, reflective mulch, insecticidal soap, neem oil spray, encourage parasitic wasps
Uses
Fresh eating and table dessert
CulinaryParasol Watermelons are prized for their exceptional sweetness and tender flesh, perfect for slicing and eating fresh during summer. The smaller size makes them ideal for families or smaller households. [source]
Juice and beverages
CulinaryThe high water content and natural sugars make these melons excellent for fresh-pressed watermelon juice, smoothies, and infused waters. [source]
Natural cooling and hydration
HouseholdWatermelon's high water content (92%) and electrolytes make it an excellent choice for summer refreshment and natural hydration, especially in hot climates. [source]
Citrulline and heart health
MedicinalWatermelon contains L-citrulline, an amino acid that converts to L-arginine and supports cardiovascular function and blood vessel health. [source]
Seed collection and heirloom preservation
CraftParasol Watermelon is an heirloom variety allowing gardeners to save seeds for future plantings, maintaining genetic diversity and garden heritage. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when the melon reaches 5-8 pounds (typically 75-85 days from planting). Signs of ripeness include: hollow sound when thumped, creamy/yellowish ground spot, dry curled tendril nearest the fruit, and slight give when gently pressed. Cut with a sharp knife leaving a 1-2 inch stem. Peak sweetness occurs when harvested fully ripe on the vine. Melons do not continue to ripen after harvesting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Parasol Watermelon gets its name from its unusually large, spreading leaves that create a natural sun shade over the developing fruits, protecting them from sunscald and extreme heat.
- 🌱 Watermelons are actually berries classified as 'pepos' and are botanically more closely related to cucumbers and pumpkins than to true melons.
- 🌱 The compound lycopene that gives watermelon its red color is more bioavailable in cooked watermelon than in raw tomatoes, making it an excellent natural source of this antioxidant.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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