Watermelon: The Wild Citron Variety You Probably Haven’t Heard Of
When most people think of watermelons, they picture those giant, sweet, juicy fruits perfect for summer picnics. But there’s another side to the watermelon family that’s quite different – meet Citrullus lanatus var. citroides, a fascinating variety that’s more about survival than sweetness.
What Exactly Is This Plant?
Citrullus lanatus var. citroides is an annual forb herb, meaning it’s a non-woody plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season. Unlike its sweet cousin, this variety produces small, hard fruits that are quite bitter – definitely not something you’d want to slice up for dessert! The plant grows as a trailing vine with the characteristic lobed leaves you’d recognize from regular watermelons.
You might also see this plant referred to by its scientific synonym, Citrullus vulgaris var. citroides, in older gardening references.
Where Does It Come From and Where Does It Grow?
This watermelon variety is not native to North America – it originally hails from Africa. However, it has established itself in several U.S. states where it now reproduces on its own in the wild. You can find it growing in California, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Puerto Rico.
Should You Grow It in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. This isn’t your typical garden plant, and there are several things to consider:
The Case Against Growing It
- The fruits are bitter and not edible in the traditional sense
- It’s a non-native species that can spread on its own
- It takes up considerable garden space with its sprawling growth habit
- There are many beautiful native alternatives that would better support local ecosystems
The Case For Growing It
- The yellow flowers do attract bees and other pollinators during blooming season
- It’s extremely drought-tolerant once established
- Some people grow it for livestock feed or as a rootstock for grafting
- It’s an interesting conversation piece for adventurous gardeners
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to give this unusual watermelon variety a try, here’s what it needs to thrive:
Climate Requirements
This plant is only suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9-11, as it requires hot, dry conditions and a long growing season. It simply won’t survive frost or consistently cool temperatures.
Soil and Sun
Like most watermelons, this variety loves:
- Full sun exposure (at least 6-8 hours daily)
- Well-draining, sandy soils
- Soil that warms up quickly in spring
Planting and Care Tips
Direct seed in warm soil after all danger of frost has passed. The seeds need consistently warm soil temperatures to germinate properly. Once established, the plant is quite drought-tolerant, though regular watering during fruit development will improve yields.
Better Native Alternatives
If you’re looking for native plants that offer similar benefits, consider these alternatives that will better support your local ecosystem:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for pollinator attraction
- Native sunflowers (Helianthus species) for wildlife food and visual interest
- Wild gourds native to your region for unique fruits and vine coverage
The Bottom Line
Citrullus lanatus var. citroides is an intriguing plant that sits somewhere between wild curiosity and agricultural oddity. While it’s not invasive or harmful, it’s also not the most garden-worthy choice for most home landscapes. If you’re an experienced gardener looking for something unusual and you live in the right climate zone, it might be worth a try. Just remember that supporting native plants in your garden is always the more ecologically responsible choice!
